Search for neutron-antineutron oscillations by means of ultracold neutrons

It is proposed an experiment on search for neutron–antineutron oscillations based on the storage of ultracold neutrons in a material trap. This experiment will be competitive due to a new source of ultracold neutrons which is under construction in PNPI NRC KI. It must provide UCN density 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than existing sources. The sensitivity of the experiment mostly depends on the trap size and the amount of UCN in it. The results of simulations of the designed experimental scheme show that the sensitivity can be increased by ~ 10–40 times compared to sensitivity of previous experiment depending on the model of neutron reflection from walls. Design of the setup, magnetic shielding study, neutron storage and annihilation detection simulations are under development.