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Wolter Optics for Neutron Focusing

Published

Author(s)

David F. Mildner, M. V. Gubarev

Abstract

Focusing optics based on Wolter optical geometries developed for x-ray grazing incidence beams can be designed for neutron beams. Wolter optics are formed by grazing incidence reflections from two concentric conic sections (for example, a paraboloid and a hyperboloid). This has transformed observational X-ray astronomy by increasing the sensitivity by many orders of magnitude for research in astrophysics and cosmology. To increase the collection area, many reflecting mirrors of different diameters are nested with a common focal plane. These mirrors are fabricated using nickel-electroformed replication techniques. We apply these ideas to neutron focusing using nickel mirrors. We show an initial test of a conical mirror using a beam of cold neutrons.
Citation
Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research A
Volume
634

Keywords

electroformed nickel replication, focusing optics, grazing angle incidence, mirror reflection, neutron focusing, Wolter optics

Citation

Mildner, D. and , M. (2011), Wolter Optics for Neutron Focusing, Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research A, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=905540 (Accessed April 26, 2024)
Created April 1, 2011, Updated February 19, 2017