The current status of the study of the fundamental properties of the neutron is discussed. Experimental results on the neutron lifetime, β-decay angular correlations, electric dipole moment, and form factor are presented, and comparison with theory is made. Major experimental techniques are described. Exotic neutron features, such as the electric charge, baryon number nonconserving decays, etc., are discussed. The properties and applications of ultracold neutrons, and related problems, are discussed in detail. Some new ideas are suggested and research programs outlined.

PACS: 13.30.Ce, 14.20.Dh (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU1996v039n09ABEH000170 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/1996/9/f/ A1996VN47700006 Citation: Mostovoi Yu A, Mukhin K N, Patarakin O O "The neutron yesterday, today, and tomorrow" Phys. Usp. 39 925–958 (1996) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Мостовой Ю А, Мухин К Н, Патаракин О О «Нейтрон вчера, сегодня, завтра» УФН 166 987–1022 (1996); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0166.199609f.0987