Neutron life-times...

[Nik_SpeakerToCats]

IIRC, 'bound' neutrons have a near-indefinite half-life.

'Free' neutrons, though decay, but at rather different rates depending on how measured.

Error beyond 'experimental variation': Is real, and scary.

Now looks like conundrum solved: 'Hot' neutrons, as a reactor beam, may include a proportion of 'excited' states, with different half-lives to that of 'cold' ground-state.

This would nicely 'square the circle', resolve the differences between the two techniques.

Also, such excited neutrons may open interesting new physics. Still within standard model, alas, but like finding a plastered-over door in hall-way wall...

The neutron lifetime problem—and its possible solution
https://phys.org/news/2024-10-neutron-l ... ution.html

[Nik_SpeakerToCats]

snark:
Okay, who'll be first to propose a 'NASER' ??
/

[Nik_SpeakerToCats]

I could blame Google Chrome's Spiel Chequer, but let's just say a hi-vis kbd is arriving Saturday...

Hmm: Just as alkanes and halogens need a UV zap to react, and 'polite' explosives need det-cord, must wonder if 'excited' neutrons have very different 'Barns' to 'ground state', and what use they could be...

[Poohbah]

No kink-shaming neutrons!