Projects per year
Abstract
The technique of neutron interferometry was used to measure the bound coherent neutron scattering length b(coh) of the oxygen isotopes (17)O and (18)O. From the measured difference in optical path between two water samples, either H(2)(17)O or H(2)(18)O versus H(2)(nat)O, where nat denotes the natural isotopic composition, we obtain b(coh,(17)O) = 5.867(4) fm and b(coh,(18)O) = 6.009(5) fm, based on the accurately known value of b(coh,(nat)O) = 5.805(4) fm which is equal to b(coh,(16)O) within the experimental uncertainty. Our results for b(coh,(17)O) and b(coh,(18)O) differ appreciably from the standard tabulated values of 5.6(5) fm and 5.84(7) fm, respectively. In particular, our measured scattering-length contrast of 0.204(3) fm between (18)O and (nat)O is nearly a factor of 6 greater than the tabulated value, which renders feasible neutron diffraction experiments using (18)O isotope substitution and thereby offers new possibilities for measuring the partial structure factors of oxygen-containing compounds, such as water.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 505105 |
Journal | Journal of Physics-Condensed Matter |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 50 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 19 Dec 2012 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'The bound coherent neutron scattering lengths of the oxygen isotopes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 4 Finished
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Network Structures: from Fundamentals to Functionality
Salmon, P. (PI) & Zeidler, A. (CoI)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
5/06/12 → 4/10/15
Project: Research council
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Partial Structure Factors by Means of Oxygen Isotope Substitution
Salmon, P. (PI)
Science and Technology Facilities Council
21/04/10 → 20/08/10
Project: Research council
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Partial Structure Factors by Means of Oxygen Isotope Substitution
Salmon, P. (PI)
Science and Technology Facilities Council
19/03/09 → 31/12/09
Project: Research council