Performance of an improved perfect crystal neutron storage cavity

An improved version of a cold neutron storage apparatus, (VESTA), consisting of two parallel perfect silicon-crystal mirror plates in precise back reflection, has been installed and tested at the ISIS pulsed neutron source. The first measurements on VESTA and its performance compared to the prototype setup are reported. The neutron storage times were increased by one order of magnitude up to about 2 s. Characteristic features of the storage process and future perspectives are discussed.