Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and their collaborators have successfully created curved neutron beams called Airy beams. These beams, named after physicist George Airy, can bend around obstacles and maintain their shape over long distances, unlike traditional beams that spread out. This breakthrough was achieved using a specially designed silicon grating with millions of tiny lines, which transform a regular neutron beam into an Airy beam. The discovery opens up new possibilities for neutron imaging and material analysis.
The curved neutron beams could improve imaging techniques like neutron scattering and diffraction, allowing scientists to examine materials in greater detail. They also have the potential to help study chirality, or “handedness,” in molecules, which is important in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and quantum computing. By combining Airy beams with other types of neutron beams, researchers may develop new ways to explore and manipulate materials at the quantum level. The research was published in *Physical Review Letters* and marks a significant step in controlling neutron beams for advanced scientific applications.
Keywords: neutrons, Airy beams, neutron imaging
