We present a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the neutron lifetime discrepancybetween beam and bottle experiments. Through rigorous statistical analysis, we demonstratethat two experimental systematics—temperature-dependent quasi-elastic scattering inFomblin-coated UCN bottles and backscattering extrapolation bias in proton-beammeasurements—can account for the observed differences. When empirically calibratedcorrections are applied, all measurements converge to τn = 877.92 ± 0.30 s with χ2/dof = 0.39,representing a 93.8% improvement in statistical quality. We outline falsifiable predictions forexperimental verification and discuss the implications for Standard Model tests.
Brian Burch (2026) studied this question.