Neutron physics (source code)

= Neutron physics

<Neutron physics> studies the production, interaction, transport and detection of <neutrons>. A <neutron> has no net <electric charge>, so it does not experience the long-range Coulomb repulsion that impedes charged particles approaching a positively charged atomic nucleus. Its nuclear interactions nevertheless depend strongly on <energy> and target isotope.

Elastic scattering can slow <neutrons> in a <neutron moderator>, capture can change a nucleus, and suitable reactions can initiate <nuclear fission>. <Neutron> magnetic moments also couple to magnetic structure, enabling <magnetic neutron diffraction>. A measured attenuation therefore combines different reaction channels and must not be interpreted as one universal absorption <probability>.