Proposed experiment to measure the neutron spin-electron angular correlation in polarized neutron beta decay with ultra-cold neutrons

One area in which the Standard Model can be probed is neutron beta decay. In particular, measurements of angular correlations in neutron beta decay can place constraints on the existence of right-handed currents, the presence of scalar and tensor terms in the weak interaction, and for evidence of Time Reversal Violation, which is expected from the observed violation of CP invariance in kaon decay. A measurement of A, the correlation between the neutron spin and the direction of emission of the electron in neutron decay, can be combined with the neutron lifetime to determine the fundamental vector and axial vector weak coupling constants G{sub A} and G{sub V}. The authors have presented the essential elements of their plans to carry out an A correlation measurement using the UCN source they have constructed at the Manuel Lujan Neutron Scattering Center (MLNSC). Their goal is an initial measurement with an accuracy of about 0.2% of A (which has a value of about {minus}0.114). The count rate expected in the experiment will allow a determination at this statistical accuracy level in a running time of about four months.