First attempt of neutron quantum state reconstruction

Abstract

The neutron interferometer set-up S18 at the ILL reactor has been used for the first neutron quantum state reconstruction experiment. By a simultaneous measurement of the coherence function and of the modulated momentum distribution behind the interferometer, the Wigner function of various quantum states can be reconstructed. This is equivalent to knowledge of the particle wavefunction. Its spatial dimension follows from the measurement of the coherence function, which is the autocorrelation function of the wavefunction and the shape in momentum space follows from momentum post-selection experiments. Non-orthogonal traces through the (x, k)-phase space have to be measured for an unambiguous reconstruction. Nearly classical (coherent) and non-classical states in the form of Schrödinger cat-like states have been identified. Comparisons of calculated and measured Wigner functions will be shown.