Fundamental Research with Polarized Slow Neutrons, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1987

In the last twenty years polarized beams of slow neutrons have been used effectively in fundamental research in nuclear physics. Parity violation in nuclear fission and neutron optics was discoverd as well as the nuclear precession of neutrons and the coherent interference of spin channels in neutron capture by nuclei. Furthermore, these methods helped to understand better the neutron`s electric dipole moment and its beta decay. This book gives a thorough introduction to these experimental methods including the most recent techniques of generating and analyzing polarized neutral beams. It clearly shows the close relationship between elementary particle physics and nuclear physics, in particular in the section dealing with the effects caused by weak interactions. Special attention is paid to experiments which investigate the violation of quantum mechanical conservation laws. The book not only addresses specialists but also those interested in the foundations of elementary particle and nuclear physics. It is well suited as additional reading for students.

1. Brief Summary of Experimental Techniques Required for Working with Polarized Slow Neutrons.- 2. Precession of Magnetic Moments of Polarized Neutrons in a Magnetic Field.- 3. Interaction of Polarized Neutrons with Polarized Nuclei.- 4. Anisotropy of Gamma Rays Emitted by Polarized Nuclei After Polarized Neutron Capture.- 5. Circular Polarization of Gamma Rays Emitted by Nuclei After Polarized Neutrons Capture.- 6. Quantum-Mechanical Symmetry Properties and Polarized Neutrons.- 7. Decay of Polarized Neutrons.- 8. Anisotropy of Gamma Rays Emitted by Nuclei After Polarized Neutron Capture.- 9. Anisotropy of Beta Particles Emitted by Nuclei After Polarized Neutron Capture.- 10. Anisotropy of Alpha Particles and Other Light Nuclei Emitted After Polarized Neutron Capture.- 11. Anisotropy of the Angular Distribution of Fragments After Fission of Heavy Nuclei by Polarized Neutrons.- 12. Spatial Parity Violation Effects in Neutron Optics.- References.