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

We present the first accurate reconstruction of the neutron’s internal magnetic structure using a selective flattening technique applied to Patterson function analysis. By tuning the radial Patterson magnetization density to align with experimental data, we derive a spatially resolved magnetization density distribution that reveals the neutron’s internal architecture with unprecedented clarity. The reconstructed profile exhibits a distinct core-shell configuration: a compact, hard positive central core with a peak density of 1518 fm⁻³, enveloped by a diffuse, soft negative shell with a minimum density of −28.5 fm⁻³. This empirical and model-independent approach avoids theoretical bias and offers a new pathway for visualizing subatomic magnetization density distributions.