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

This is a high-resolution reconstruction of the neutron’s internal charge structure derived through an iterative and selective flattening technique applied to Patterson function analysis. By tuning the radial Patterson charge density to match experimental observations, we derive a spatially resolved charge distribution that unveils the neutron’s internal architecture with unprecedented clarity. The reconstructed profile adheres to the condition of electrical neutrality and reveals a distinct core-shell configuration: a compact, rigid positive central core with a peak density of 12.3 fm⁻³, surrounded by a diffuse, soft negative shell with a minimum density of −0.396 fm⁻³. The first and second zero-crossings of the charge density occur at 0.101 fm and 0.25 fm, respectively. The radius at half-maximum of the central peak is 0.049 fm. This empirical, model-independent approach circumvents theoretical bias and introduces a novel framework for visualizing subatomic charge distribution.