Probing Pulse Structure at the Spallation Neutron Source via Polarimetry Measurements

The Fundamental Neutron Physics Beamline (FNPB) at Spallation Neutron Source is used to probe fundamental forces via cold neutrons. The beamline's latest experiment is probing the hadronic weak interaction through the capture of polarized cold neutrons on ³He nuclei. While the strong nuclear force is dominant in this interaction, a weak signal can be observed in the parity violating momentum asymmetry in the reaction products. As the asymmetry measurement requires both neutron spin states, a means of controlling the neutron spin is required. In order to alternate the spins, a radio frequency spin rotator was installed for the experiment. The efficacy of this device is dependent on the time neutrons spend within it. In this thesis I attempt to use polarimetry measurements to probe the pulse structure of the SNS with the goal of facilitating future research. While this is unlikely to impact the results of the n³He experiment, it is a topic of considerations for future experiments at the FNPB.