Reconstructed neutron magnetic structure via selective flattening: Insights from Patterson function analysis

This study introduces a novel reconstruction of the neutron’s internal magnetic structure, achieved through a selective flattening method applied to Patterson function analysis. By adjusting the radial Patterson magnetization density to match experimental observations, we obtain a finely resolved spatial distribution that unveils the neutron’s internal features with exceptional clarity. The resulting magnetization profile reveals a pronounced core-shell arrangement: a dense, sharply defined positive central core reaching 1525 fm⁻³, surrounded by a broad, gently negative shell with a minimum of −51.4 fm⁻³. Developed without reliance on theoretical models, this data-driven approach offers a fresh and unbiased framework for exploring subatomic magnetization patterns.