NG6 9Å

Instrument Purpose

To provide a monochromatic neutron source of 9Å wavelength; a special neutron energy for using liquid helium. To use such neutrons in a phase grating-based neutron interferometer.

The NCNR Advantage

• Special Wavelength: Neutrons with a specific wavelength of 9Å have an energy tuned to the phonon spectrum in liquid helium making them useful in cryogenic experiments and in the production of super-low-energy, trappable ultra-cold neutrons.
• Optimized for Sensitivity: The 9Å wavelength provides a high sensitivity to gravitational effects and eases the fabrication requirements for silicon phase gratings.
• Long Path Length: Stretching over 12 meters the beamline allows variable collimation configurations and greater phase sensitivity.

Research Domains

• Fundamental Neutron Physics: Serving as a testbed for ultra-cold neutron components and in the metrology of fundamental constants.
• Material Structure: Measuring the porous structure over many orders of magnitude length scales.

What You Can Measure

• Quantum Phase Shifts: Phase gradients along the 12-meter path caused by gravity and other fundamental forces.