Quantum States of Ultra-Cold Neutrons in the Earth's Gravitational Field

Valery Nesvishevsky

The discrete quantum properties of matter are manifest in a variety of phenomena. Any particle that is trapped in a sufficiently deep and wide potential well is bound into quantum states. In particular, the gravitational field should lead to the formation of quantum states. Since the gravitational force is extremely weak, the observation of quantum states of matter in a gravitational field is extremely challenging. Because of their charge neutrality and long lifetime, neutrons are promising candidates with which to observe such an effect. I will report on experimental evidence for gravitational quantum bound states with Ultra-Cold Neutrons (UCN). Some applications of this phenomenon to other fields of physics will be discussed. In addition, I will describe the possibility of using UCN in the study of nano-structures and nano-particle dynamics.

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