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Topological shaping of vortex neutron beams using forked phase gratings

S. McKay1,2,*,†, S. R. Parnell3, R. M. Dalgliesh3, N. V. Lavrik4, I. I. Kravchenko4, Q. Le Thien1, D. V. Baxter1,2,5, G. Ortiz1,5, and R. Pynn1,2,5,6

  • *Present address: Neutron Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA.
  • †Contact author: mckaysr@ornl.gov
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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023199 – Published 21 May, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/prnf-wtjp

Abstract

Beams of light or matter that carry well-defined states of orbital angular momentum (OAM) are promising probes of topological and textured condensed matter systems such as magnetic skyrmions. Using spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering, a phase-sensitive technique that allows for a relatively low intensity beam, we demonstrate the production of vortex neutron beams from forked phase gratings of various topological charges. This type of interferometric verification of OAM we present here could be further extended to other platforms using probes that are similarly limited by the coherence and strength of the currently available sources.

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Phys. Rev. Research 8, 023199– Published 21 May, 2026
  • Received 3 November 2025
  • Revised 22 January 2026
  • Accepted 17 March 2026
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