Measurement of the neutron lifetime using a gravitational trap and a low-temperature Fomblin coating

• DOI: 10.1016/j.physletb.2004.11.013
• Publication Date: 2004-11-13T16:59:21Z
• Authors: A. Serebrov; V. Varlamov; A. Kharitonov; A. Fomin; Yu. Pokotilovski; P. Geltenbort; J. Butterworth; I. Krasnoschekova; M. Lasakov; R. Tal'daev; A. Vassiljev; O. Zherebtsov
• Keywords: Trap (plumbing)

We present a new value for the neutron lifetime of 878.5 +- 0.7 stat. +- 0.3 syst. This result differs from the world average value (885.7 +- 0.8 s) by 6.5 standard deviations and by 5.6 standard deviations from the previous most precise result. However, this new value for the neutron lifetime together with a beta-asymmetry in neutron decay, Ao, of -0.1189(7) is in a good agreement with the Standard Model.<br/>11 pages, 9 figures; extended content with some corrections<br/>