https://doi.org/10.1140/epjh/s13129-024-00072-9
Regular Article
Gian-Carlo Wick and neutron physics in the 1930s
1
Physics Department, North Carolina State University, 27708, Raleigh, NC, USA
2
Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 141980, Dubna, Moscow Region, Russia
Received:
2
December
2023
Accepted:
21
March
2024
Published online:
8
May
2024
The Italian theorist Gian-Carlo Wick is well known for his work in mathematical physics. Nevertheless, working with Fermi’s group in Rome in the 1930s, he took on several behind-the-scenes roles that resulted in important papers in neutron physics. He clarified Fermi’s methodology for calculating neutron slowing down probabilities; using transport theory, he provided a comprehensive general method for calculating the neutron scattering albedo; and with an insight into the way, neutron scattering could yield information about lattice dynamics, he formulated the first theory of inelastic thermal neutrons scattering in crystalline materials. This work and his contributions are not well known today. We discuss its physical essence, its relevance to neutron physics, and its subsequent impact in later work.
© The Author(s) 2024
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