Monte Carlo simulations of a neutron lifetime experiment with a big gravitational trap

Abstract

A Monte Carlo model was developed for our current neutron lifetime experiment using storage of ultracold neutrons (UCN) in a big gravitational trap. The model allows us to calculate neutron trajectories in the given geometry, taking into account gravity, and has been used in simulations that reproduce all stages of the experiment. The simulation was proven able to reproduce the time-dependence of the detected neutron count rates. For investigation of systematic effects, the value of the neutron lifetime resulting from the simulation of the experimental procedure was compared to the value entered as an input parameter. In particular, the systematic uncertainty associated with the method of calculating the effective UCN collision frequency in the trap was found not to exceed 0.1 s. In addition, calculations showed that up to 1% uncoated area of the copper trap has a negligible influence on the neutron lifetime result.