Abstract
We consider the system of a magnetic point dipole placed in an infinite rectangular cross-section hole through a superconductor. Using the method of images and Lagrangian mechanics, we have studied the confined motion of the point dipole in the non-relativistic regime. The relevant potential applications, in particular the focusing and polarization of neutron beams, are discussed.
On the basis of the perfect Meissner effect in superconductors, we have quantitatively studied the confined motion of a magnetic point dipole placed in an infinite rectangular hole through a superconductor. As thermal neutrons from reactors can be modelled as point dipoles, these results provide a physical basis for experiments on the use of superconductors to focus neutron beams. The construction of devices for the focusing of neutron beams may be realized on the basis of the theory presented here with a few minor modifications.