Author ORCID Identifier
0009000171099103
Document Type
Working Paper
Publication Title
On Resolving the Neutron Lifetime Puzzle
Abstract
The neutron lifetime puzzle, characterized by significantly different lifetime values obtained from bottle vs beam experiments, may stem from differences in how decayed neutrons are counted. Neutron decay is a beta-decay process producing a proton, an electron, and a neutrino. In bottle experiments, the number of decayed neutrons is measured directly. In beam experiments, this number is inferred indirectly by counting the protons resulting from neutron decays. It is proposed that in beam experiments, some protons may capture electrons and form neutral hydrogen atoms, which go undetected by proton detectors. Consequently, not all neutron decay events are counted, leading to an overestimation of the neutron lifetime. Adding a hydrogen sensor in beam experiments could help reconcile lifetime values with those determined in bottle experiments.
Publication Date
Winter 2-1-2026
Department
Physics Department
Recommended Citation
Perov, Polievkt, "On Resolving the Neutron Lifetime Puzzle" (2026). College of Arts & Sciences Faculty Works. 29.
https://dc.suffolk.edu/cas-faculty/29
Included in
Elementary Particles and Fields and String Theory Commons, Nuclear Commons, Plasma and Beam Physics Commons