We describe an experiment that has set new limits on the time reversal invariance violating D coefficient in neutron beta-decay. The emiT experiment measured the angular correlation J . p_e x p_p using an octagonal symmetry that optimizes electron-proton coincidence rates. The result is D=[-0.6+/-1.2(stat)+/-0.5(syst)]x10^(-3). This improves constraints on the phase of g_A/g_V and limits contributions to T violation due to leptoquarks. This paper presents details of the experiment, data analysis, and the investigation of systematic effects.
We report the results of an improved determination of the triple correlation $D P cdot(p_{e}times p_{ u})$ that can be used to limit possible time-reversal invariance in the beta decay of polarized neutrons and constrain extensions to the Standard Model. Our result is $D=(-0.96pm 1.89 (stat)pm 1.01 (sys))times 10^{-4}$. The corresponding phase between g_A and g_V is $phi_{AV} = 180.013^circpm0.028^circ$ (68 % confidence level). This result represents the most sensitive measurement of D in beta decay.
In the standard model of particle physics, the weak interaction is described by vector and axial-vector couplings only. Non-zero scalar or tensor interactions would imply an additional contribution to the differential decay rate of the neutron, the Fierz interference term. We derive a limit on this hypothetical term from a measurement using spin polarized neutrons. This method is statistically less sensitive than the determination from the spectral shape but features much cleaner systematics. We obtain a limit of b = 0.017(21) at 68.27 C.L., improving the previous best limit from neutron decay by a factor of four.
We describe an apparatus used to measure the triple-correlation term (D hat{sigma}_ncdot p_etimes p_ u) in the beta-decay of polarized neutrons. The D-coefficient is sensitive to possible violations of time reversal invariance. The detector has an octagonal symmetry that optimizes electron-proton coincidence rates and reduces systematic effects. A beam of longitudinally polarized cold neutrons passes through the detector chamber, where a small fraction beta-decay. The final-state protons are accelerated and focused onto arrays of cooled semiconductor diodes, while the coincident electrons are detected using panels of plastic scintillator. Details regarding the design and performance of the proton detectors, beta detectors and the electronics used in the data collection system are presented. The neutron beam characteristics, the spin-transport magnetic fields, and polarization measurements are also described.
The Mott polarimetry for T -Violation (MTV) experiment tests time-reversal symmetry in polarized nuclear beta decay by measuring an electrons transverse polarization as a form of angular asymmetry in Mott scattering using a thin metal foil. A Mott scattering analyzer system developed using a tracking detector to measure scattering angles offers better event selectivity than conventional counter experiments. In this paper, we describe a pilot experiment conducted at KEK-TRIAC using a prototype system with a polarized 8Li beam. The experiment confirmed the sound performance of our Mott analyzer system to measure T-violating triple correlation (R correlation), and therefore recommends its use in higher-precision experiments at the TRIUMF-ISAC.
Exclusive and kinematically complete high-statistics measurements of quasifree polarized $vec{n}p$ scattering have been performed in the energy region of the narrow resonance structure $d^*$ with $I(J^P) = 0(3^+)$, $M approx$ 2380 MeV/$c^2$ and $Gamma approx$ 70 MeV observed recently in the double-pionic fusion channels $pn to dpi^0pi^0$ and $pn to dpi^+pi^-$. The experiment was carried out with the WASA detector setup at COSY having a polarized deuteron beam impinged on the hydrogen pellet target and utilizing the quasifree process $vec{d}p to np + p_{spectator}$. That way the $np$ analyzing power $A_y$ was measured over a large angular range. The obtained $A_y$ angular distributions deviate systematically from the current SAID SP07 NN partial-wave solution. Incorporating the new $A_y$ data into the SAID analysis produces a pole in the $^3D_3 - ^3G_3$ waves as expected from the $d^*$ resonance hypothesis.