On the Magnetic Scattering of Neutrons

Abstract

In this paper there is contained a full elaboration of two previously published short notes on the subject of magnetic scattering of neutrons together with a comprehensive treatment of certain sides of this problem which have already received some attention from other authors. After presenting the state of the problem in the introduction and discussing in detail our reasons for the choice of an inter-action function between neutrons and electrons, and the nonmagnetic interaction between neutrons and nuclei, the various possible cases of coherent and incoherent scattering and depolarization phenomena are treated. Later applications to the theory of ferromagnetic scattering are kept in mind. The general expression for the cross section due to magnetic interaction is obtained and applied to various classes of phenomena (scattering by free, rigidly aligned, and coupled magnetic ions). The influence of the elastic form-factor is treated quantitatively with the aid of a simple model for the current distribution in the ion. Finally a series of performed or suggested experiments is discussed mainly from the point of view whether they will permit theoretical interpretation. Arrangements are described which will allow one to obtain a reliable value for the neutron's magnetic moment and also give insight into the magnetic constitution of the scatterer (ion or crystal) which will exceed the knowledge obtainable from macroscopic magnetic experiments.