Absolute Proton Detection Efficiency Determination in “Beam” Experiments

This talk introduces a new proposed method to measure the proton detector efficiency for use in ``beam'’ determinations of the free neutron lifetime. There is currently a 4 sigma disagreement between the ``beam'' and ``storage'' methods of measuring the lifetime of the neutron. A possible reason for this is a systematic uncertainty that is not properly accounted for in one or both types of experiments. Absolute proton counting is an essential facet of the ``beam'' experimental approach. The absolute detector efficiency is not currently known for existing experiments and could be a source of a hidden systematic error. This proposed calibration technique can also be extended to new, large area particle detectors designed for future experiments.