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Concepts & Engineering Aspects of a Neutron Resonance Spin-Echo Spectrometer for the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research

Published

Author(s)

Jeremy C. Cook

Abstract

After a brief introduction, the Neutron Resonance Spin Echo (NRSE) principle is discussed classically in Sec. 2. In Sec. 3, two idealized 4-coil NRSE spectrometers are discussed (one using single π coil units and one using paired "bootstrap" coils), some ideal-case expressions are given for the spin-echo signal from these spectrometers and some theoretical limitations are discussed. A more quantum mechanical discussion of NRSE is presented in Sec. 4 and some theory about the spin echo signal is given is Sec. 5. Factors affecting the spectrometer¿s instrumental resolution are discussed in Sec. 6. In Sec. 7, a variety of engineering issues are assessed in the context of stated performance goals for a NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) NRSE spectrometer. In Sec. 8 some Monte Carlo simulations of the NRSE signal examining the combined influences of some of the spectrometer imperfections are presented and compared with the analytical predictions developed in previous sections. In Sec. 9 possible alternatives for a NCNR NRSE spectrometer configuration are assessed and a preliminary discussion of the spectrometer neutron guide requirements is presented. A summary of some of the useful formulas can be found in Appendix A.
Citation
Journal of Research (NIST JRES) - 119.005
Report Number
119.005
Volume
119

Keywords

Quasi-elastic neutron scattering, Neutron resonance spin-echo spectrometers, Neutron Instrumentation Simulations

Citation

Cook, J. (2014), Concepts & Engineering Aspects of a Neutron Resonance Spin-Echo Spectrometer for the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research, Journal of Research (NIST JRES), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/jres.119.005 (Accessed March 29, 2024)
Created April 8, 2014, Updated November 10, 2018