An Improved Neutron Decay Spectrometer

The neutron decay spectrometer depends on the spectral analysis of the proton-electron pairs that originate from neutron decay. A spectrometer has been constructed which, compared to the prototype instrument, provides for increased collection efficiency, improved energy analysis, and reduced background. The resolving power, ΔE/E, was measured over the neutron energy range 13 < E_n < 95 keV, and a computer program was written for calculating the resolving power. Preliminary measurements of the total cross section of aluminum from 30 to 50 keV are described.