This article is cited in 5 papers

FIELDS, PARTICLES, AND NUCLEI

Observation of the neutron radiative decay

R. U. Khafizov^a, N. Severijns^bc, O. Zimmer^b, H.-F. Wirth^b, D. Rich^b, S. V. Tolokonnikov^a, V. A. Solovei^d, M. R. Kolhidashvili<sup>d

a</sup> RRC "Kurchatov Institute"
^b Technische Universität München
^c Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
^d Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute

Abstract: The aim of this work is experimental observation and research of a rare neutron mode, the radiative beta-decay, where a new particle, the radiative gamma-quantum, is formed along with the expected decay products beta-electron, recoil proton and antineutrino. The discovery of this rare neutron decay mode was conducted through identification of triple coincidences events: simultaneous registration of beta electron, proton and radiative gamma-quantum. The ordinary neutron decay was registered by double coincidences of beta electron and recoil proton. The statistics collected allow one to deduce the branching ratio (BR) $\mathrm{BR}=(3.2\pm1.6)\cdot10^{-3}$ (90% C.L.) in the gamma energy region greater than 35 keV. This value of BR is consistent with standard electroweak theory.

PACS: 13.30.Ce, 13.40.Hq, 14.20.Dh

Received: 31.10.2005
Revised: 25.11.2005

Language: English

 English version: Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics Letters, 2006, 83:1, 5–9

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