PERC, a clean, bright and versatile source of neutron decay products

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Bastian Martin Märkisch
• Subject Area: Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Fields
• Term: from 2010 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 167645298

Within the Standard Model of particle physics, neutron decay can be described by only three parameters. On the other hand, neutron decay offers a multitude of observables and the problem is thus strongly over-determined. Precision measurements on neutron decay observables make it thus an ideal candidate in the search for physics beyond the standard model. To perform next generation high precision measurements, we propose, in a collaborate effort among five research groups, to build a new instrument called PERC. It will deliver not neutrons, but neutron decay products. It is intended to be a versatile instrument that can be used by different groups of scientists to make precision measurements on neutron decay observables to address various contemporary particle physics questions. The main component of the new instrument PERC is a 10m long superconducting magnet system. With this proposal we request funding for this magnet and essential infrastructure.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1491: Precision Experiments in Particle- and Astrophysics with Cold and Ultracold Neutrons
• Major Instrumentation: power supply for the superconducting magnet
• Instrumentation Group: 0160 Stromversorgungs- und Steuergeräte für Magnete: Zubehör