An optical device for ultra-cold neutrons-Investigation of systematic effects and applications

We developed an optical device for ultra-cold neutrons and investigated the influence of a tilt of its guiding components. A measurement of the time-of-flight of the neutrons through the device by means of a dedicated chopper system was performed and a light-optical method for the alignment of the guiding components is demonstrated. A comparative analysis of former experiments with our results shows the potential of such a device to test the electrical neutrality of the free neutron on the 10(-22)qe, level and to investigate the interaction of neutrons with gravity. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.