|
1. Ultracold neutrons are a unique tool in
investigations of fundamental laws of nuclear and particle physics, and
bear promising potential for applications in the other fields. Present
and planned future experiments, which are of utmost importance for particle
physics (e.g. (electric dipole moment and lifetime of the neutron)) are
limited by the counting statistics. Substantial increase in neutron density
is imperative for further progress in this field.
2. The First UCN-Factory Workshop has taken
place 18-22 January '98 in Pushkin - St. Petersburg, Russia, gathering
a collection of world experts in this field. The aim of this meeting was
to discuss an approach, which has been proposed recently (A.Serebrov et
al. Pis’ma Zh.Eksp.Teor.Fiz. (JETP lett) 66, 765-770 or preprint PNPI 2206,
1997), to increase the density of ultracold neutrons by 2-3 orders of magnitude
with respect to the sources operating at present. Also, state of the art
of planned experiments with UCN's was thoroughly discussed. The scientific
level of the workshop was very high, to a great extent due to very solid
preparation of the discussed subject by scientists from the PNPI - Gatchina.
The new idea, which combines SD method of production of UCN's (developed
through the recent years at the Gatchina reactor) with powerful spallation
sources coming into operation in few centers worldwide is so promising,
that it calls for further development and quick experimental verification
of the method. Such an effort must be done at the international level.
The most effective approach is to propose series of test experiments at
PNPI under a leadership of prof. A. Serebrov with strong contributions
from all involved parties. A flexible apparatus, open for modifications
is recommended.
3.Test experiment program proposed by PNPI was
approved by workshop participants. Scientists from LANL (USA), PSI (Switzerland),
JINR, IAE (Russia), ILL (France) and TUM (Germany) have expressed their
intention to participate in a R&D program, which would eventually lead
to a technical realization of the UCN Factory in one or more accelerator
centers with the high intensity, intermediate energy proton beams. The
interested scientists intend further development of the idea at their home
institution, including assessment of financing sources and available man
power to start the test experiment at PNPI as soon as possible. A technical
meeting with a goal to found the collaboration could be then called as
early as in June '98.
4.Further workshops which will report progress
of research on UCN Factory and elaborate a detailed scientific program
for such a facility would then follow in 1-2 year time scale. The second
UCN Factory Workshop is proposed to held in Pushkin, June ’99.
5. In conclusion, participants of the workshop
call leaders responsible for the science policies in their laboratories
for attention and support for the newest developments in the field of ultracold
neutrons. Appropriate steps should be taken, which may lead ultimately
to a construction of the new high density source, the UCN Factories.
6.Text of this conclusion was discussed on the
summary session and coordinate with workshop participants.
|  |