We performed an experimental test of the Kochen-Specker theorem based on inequality derived from Peres-Mermin proof, using spin-path (momentum) entanglement in a single neutron system. Following strategy proposed by Cabello et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 130404 (2008)10.1103/PhysRevLett.100.130404], Bell-like state was generated, and three expectation values were determined. The observed violation 2.291 +/- 0.008 not less, dbl equals1 clearly shows that quantum mechanical predictions cannot...

The geometric phase has been proposed as a candidate for noise resilient coherent manipulation of fragile quantum systems. Since it is determined only by the path state, presence fluctuations affects in different way than dynamical phase. We have experimentally tested robustness Berry's spin-1/2 particles cyclically varying magnetic field. Using trapped polarized ultra-cold neutrons demonstrated that contributions to dephasing due adiabatic field vanish long evolution times.

We present an overview of recent investigations photopolymerizable nanocomposite photonic materials in which, thanks to their high degree material selectivity, recorded volume gratings possess refractive index modulation amplitude and mechanical/thermal stability at the same time, providing versatile applications light neutron optics. discuss mechanism grating formation holographically exposed materials, based on a model photopolymerization-driven mutual diffusion monomer nanoparticles....

Ongoing fascination with quantum mechanics keeps driving the development of wide field quantum-optics, including its neutron-optics branch. Application neutron-optical methods and, especially, neutron interferometry and polarimetry has a long-standing tradition for experimental investigations fundamental phenomena. We give an overview related efforts made in recent years.

We report a breakthrough in the search for versatile diffractive elements cold neutrons. Nanoparticles are spatially arranged by holographical means photopolymer. These grating structures show remarkably efficient diffraction of neutrons up to about 50% effective thicknesses only $200\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$. They open profound perspective next generation neutron-optical devices with capability tune or modulate neutron efficiency.

We demonstrate exceptionally high slow-neutron diffraction efficiency (≈ 70% of transmitted intensity diffracted to the first order) from a holographic nanodiamond–polymer composite grating only tens micrometers thickness at average neutron wavelength 5.3 nm. By meticulous choice materials for extreme refractive index modulation in thin structure, we overcome typical and angular selectivity issues usually encountered when pursuing efficiencies with thick grating. This achievement paves way...

Diffraction experiments with holographic gratings recorded in SiO${}_{2}$ nanoparticle-polymer composites have been carried out slow neutrons. The influence of parameters such as nanoparticle concentration, grating thickness, and spacing on the neutron-optical properties materials has tested. Decay structure along sample depth due to disturbance recording process becomes an issue at thicknesses about 100 microns larger. This limits achievable diffraction efficiency for As a solution this...

We report on successful tests of holographically arranged grating-structures in nanoparticle-polymer composites the form 100 microns thin free-standing films, i.e. without sample containers or covers that could cause unwanted absorption/incoherent scattering very-cold neutrons. Despite their large diameter 2 cm, flexible materials are high optical quality and yield mirror-like reflectivity about 90% for neutrons 4.1 nm wavelength.

Recent progress in the development of holographic gratings for neutron-optics applications is reviewed. We summarize properties recorded deuterated (poly)methylmethacrylate, polymer-dispersed liquid crystals and nanoparticle-polymer composites revealed by diffraction experiments with slow neutrons. Existing anticipated neutron-optical instrumentations based on are discussed.

We demonstrate twofold enhancement of the saturated refractive index modulation (Δn(sat)) recorded in a photopolymerizable nanoparticle-acrylate polymer composite film by incorporating thiols acting as chain transfer agents. The reaction with (meth)acrylate monomer reduces crosslinking density and facilitates mutual diffusion nanoparticles during holographic exposure. These modifications provide increased modulations formed polymer, resulting Δn(sat) high 1.6×10(-2) at wavelength 532 nm....

In a neutron polarimetry experiment the mixed-state relative phases between spin eigenstates are determined from maxima and minima of measured intensity oscillations. We consider evolutions leading to purely geometric, dynamical, combined phases. It is experimentally demonstrated that sum individually geometric dynamical not equal associated total phase which obtained single measurement, unless system in pure state.

The influence of the geometric phase on a Bell measurement, as proposed by Bertlmann et al. [Phys. Rev. A 69, 032112 (2004)] and expressed Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) inequality, has been observed for spin-path-entangled neutron state in an interferometric setup. It is experimentally demonstrated that effect can be balanced change angles. acquired during time-dependent interaction with radiofrequency field. Two schemes, polar azimuthal adjustment angles, are realized analyzed detail....

Diffraction of slow neutrons by nanoparticle-polymer composite gratings has been observed. By carefully choosing grating parameters such as thickness and spacing, a three-port beam splitter operation for cold - splitting the incident neutron intensity equally into plus-minus first zeroth diffraction orders was realized. As possible application, Zernike three-path interferometer is briefly discussed.

Tomographic measurements of Bell states a single-neutron system in an interferometer were carried out. The spin-path joint exhibit clear evidence entanglement. Reconstructions the density matrices of, practically complete, accomplished. fidelities as well concurrences generated are determined by 0.79 and 0.75 0.59 0.52, respectively, which again entanglement system.

We have observed the stationary interference oscillations of a triple-entangled neutron state in an interferometric experiment. Time-dependent interaction with two radio-frequency fields enables coherent manipulation energy degree freedom single neutron. The system is characterized by multiply entangled governed Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian. experimental results confirm coherence as well validity description.

Small angle neutron scattering reveals positional and magnetic correlations in ferromagnetic ferrofluids.

We report influences of varying functionalities thiols as chain transfer agents on the spatial frequency response, polymerization shrinkage, and thermal stability a volume grating recorded in photopolymerizable ZrO₂ nanoparticle-polymer composite film. It is shown that substantial increase saturated refractive index modulation realized at high frequencies by doping with multifunctional thiols. Moreover, incorporation considerably suppresses shrinkage gratings changes film thickness compared...

We performed light optical diffraction experiments on a nanoparticle-polymer volume holographic grating in an angular range including also far off-Bragg replay. A comparison of three theories - the same level complexity with our experimental results shows that dynamical theory and first-order two-wave coupling using beta-value method fit data very well. In contrast, prevalent K-vector closure yields poor order magnitude worse mean squared error. These findings must be considered for accurate...

Ferromagnetic ferrofluids are synthetic materials consisting of magnetic nanoplatelets dispersed in an isotropic fluid. Their main characteristics the formation stable domains and presence macroscopic magnetization even absence a field. Here, authors report on experimental observation spontaneous stripe ferromagnetic ferrofluid oscillating external The striped structure is identified as elongated domains, which exhibit reorientation upon reversal stripes oriented perpendicular to field...