A Path to a 0.1 s Neutron Lifetime Measurement Using the Beam Method

The beam method obtains the beta decay lifetime of the free neutron from the specific activity of a slow neutron beam. The best previous result had an overall uncertainty of 3.4 s [Nico, et al. (2005)]. We present a plan for a phased experimental program that will improve the overall uncertainty using this method to 0.1 s or below and may help elucidate systematic effects that could explain the current disagreement between the most recent beam and bottle method neutron lifetime experiments.