Possibility of Guided-Neutron-Wave Propagation in Thin Films

Abstract

The propagation of guided-neutron waves in thin films is discussed and a theory is given for a simple coupling device for exciting such guided-neutron waves by means of neutron beams. The principle is analogous to that used in the construction of optical-prism couplers used to guide laser beams in thin films. The larger divergence of the incident neutron beam drastically lowers the effective coupling efficiency, but the effect should nevertheless be readily observable. A qualitative discussion of Marx's microguide device and its relationship to our problem is also given.