We propose to perform the first measurement of the neutron–neutron scattering cross section in the through-channel of the pulsed aperiodic reactor YAGUAR (Snezhinsk, Russia). Such a measurement directly determines the neutron–neutron scattering length, and by comparison with the proton–proton scattering length bears upon the issue of charge symmetry of the nuclear force. The proposed experimental set-up, as well as modelling of the neutron density and of the frequency of neutron–neutron collisions is described. Experimental results are reported on the formation and optimization of the thermal neutron field inside the through-channel of the reactor YAGUAR. The instantaneous value of 1.1 × 1018 cm−2 s−1 obtained for the thermal neutron flux density is large enough to perform the first direct neutron–neutron scattering length measurement.
A direct measurement of nn-scattering by colliding free neutrons has never been performed. Indirect measurements continue to provide inconsistent results, leaving the issue of charge symmetry in the nuclear force unresolved. At present the Russian pulsed reactor YAGUAR is the best neutron source for such a measurement. A neutron moderator is installed in the central through channel and the scattered neutrons are detected at a distance of 12 m from the reactor. An instantaneous value of 1.1 × 10 18 /cm 2 s was obtained for the thermal neutron flux density. The experiment will be performed by the DIANNA Collaboration as ISTC project No. 2286.
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