Dynamical diffraction effects in noninertial neutron interferometry

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Abstract
Neutron interferometry performed in a noninertial frame is essentially influenced by dynamical diffraction effects occurring in the interferometer crystal which hitherto have not been taken into account. We have developed a corresponding theory from which a corrected phase shift is obtained which applies likewise to interferometry performed under the influence of gravity or on an accelerated neutron interferometer. The theory also predicts fading of interference contrast with increasing acceleration as was observed in the Colella-Overhauser-Werner gravity experiments but could not be explained unambiguously.