Characterizations for a Mirror Neutron Search
POSTER
Abstract
To date, there has been no conclusive evidence as to what kinds of particles make up dark matter. The nn' Collaboration has developed an experiment at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) to search for a possible dark matter candidate, mirror matter, by using a cold neutron beam. Using strong magnetic fields with high gradients, through a hypothetical transition magnetic moment, it is possible that a neutron may oscillate into its mirror neutron counterpart. After initial production, any mirror (sterile) neutrons will pass through a strong neutron absorber and then into another strong magnetic field where some may oscillate back and be detectable. Thus, the regeneration of neutrons from the mirror state, if the process exists in nature, can be discovered. I will present neutron beam characterizations, background analyses, and implications for statistical sensitivity limits for this beyond Standard Model search.
*This work was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) under the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program. This research used resources at the Spallation Neutron Source, a DOE Office of Science User Facility operated by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.