Moiré Fringes in a Neutron Spin Interferometer

Abstract

We have revealed the criterion to observe moiré fringes in a neutron spin interferometry. In former studies using wave front division, neutron beam had to be collimated by fine slits. On the other hand, we have succeeded to observe moiré fringes with divergence angle of 8.3 mrad using spin polarization division. A model based on partial coherence theory has been developed and verified experimentally. These results will be the basis for neutron wave front manipulation technique using magnetic birefringence.