Inelastic scattering study of UTe2 using thermal neutrons

Heavy fermion superconductor UTe2 has attracted intense interest due to its unique phenomenology and promising status as a candidate topological superconductor. The material’s low energy inelastic spectrum has been studied extensively, but the system has not yet been studied using thermal neutrons. The phonons are of particular interest as they may provide key insight into various anomalous behaviors exhibited by UTe2. This includes the unique charge density wave (CDW) revealed by STM experiments for which no evidence has been found in the bulk of the material. A CDW can appear in neutron scattering experiments via distinct anomalies in the phonon spectrum. A phonon measurement would also provide new information about 5f hybridization and may aid in interpreting various anomalies in thermal expansion and ultrasonic measurements. Merlin’s favorable scattering geometry and unique multi-Ei capabilities make it the ideal instrument for the proposed experiment.