VITESS polarized neutron suite: allows for the simulation of performance of any existing polarized neutron scattering instrument

As neutron simulations packages are used for analysis of the expected performance for practically all newly built neutron instruments, possibilities for simulations with polarized neutrons have been relatively underdeveloped.During the last years we developed a new approach for the representation of time-dependent magnetic fields (both in magnitude and direction) for the VITESS simulation package. This allowed us to simulate the neutron spin dynamics in practically all polarized neutron devices (RF neutron flipper, adiabatic gradient RF flipper, the Drabkin resonator, etc.). In this article the above-mentioned VITESS instrument components (modules) will be presented and the simulated performance of a number of polarized neutron scattering instruments (NRSE, MIEZE, SESANS, etc.) will be demonstrated.Thus, we practically complete the polarized neutron suite of the VITESS, which seems sufficient for the simulation of performance of any existing polarized neutron scattering instrument. Future work will be concentrated on developments of dedicated sample modules (kernels) to allow for virtual experiments with VITESS.     

极化中子照相磁场量化技术方案比较与分析

极化中子照相技术通过分析极化中子束的自旋相移对样品磁场进行成像,目前已发展出多种成像技术方案,其中能量选择法和自旋回波法极化中子成像技术从不同的原理出发,解决了极化中子照相中磁场量化的周期解问题,同时避免装置极化效率等参数的影响,可以实现较高的量化精度.本文对两种极化中子照相技术方案进行研究,通过对单色器能量分辨率和装置极化效率等关键参数的分析和模拟,确定在研究堆上开展相关实验的可行性,并初步明确其量化能力和适用范围.相关结果可为极化中子照相的实验数据处理技术研究及装置设计提供参考.     

Imaging with polarized neutrons

While polarized neutrons have long proved to be an outstanding tool for the investigation of magnetic structures by scattering, we report on their potential for real space investigations of magnetic fields on a macroscopic scale by neutron imaging. Due to the ability of neutrons to penetrate thick layers of matter and their high sensitivity to magnetic fields owed to their magnetic moment, neutron imaging enables the investigation of magnetic fields even in bulk samples of condensed matter. We demonstrate how neutrons provide images of magnetic fields trapped in or expelled by superconductors or even reveal the path of electric currents due to the corresponding magnetic fields.     

Offspec, the ISIS spin-echo reflectometer

OffSpec has been purposely built as a low background, polarised neutron reflectometer with spin-echo for Larmor labeling. The instrument received first neutrons in December 2008 and five of the intended seven modes of operation have now been tested and operated with peer reviewed user experiments. The technical performance of the instrument will be reviewed in each of the modes and future scientific possibilities discussed. Particular attention will be paid to results from spin-echo SANS (SESANS) and spin-echo resolved grazing incidence scattering (SERGIS), where the largest number of measurements have been performed.     

First neutron Bragg-edge imaging experimental results at CSNS

The neutron Bragg-edge imaging is expected to be a new non-destructive energy-resolved neutron imaging technique for quantitatively two-dimensional or three-dimensional visualizing crystallographic information in a bulk material, which could be benefited from pulsed neutron source. Here we build a Bragg-edge imaging system on the General Purpose Powder Diffractometer at the China Spallation Neutron Source. The residual strain mapping of a bent Q235 ferrite steel sample has been achieved with a spectral resolution of 0.15% by the time-of-flight neutron Bragg-edge imaging on this system. The results show its great potential applications in materials science and engineering.     

Energy deposition distributions caused by fast neutrons in converter type silicon detectors

Polyethylene converter silicon detectors have been developed as part of a dosimetry system for the application in neutron fields. Signals have been investigated which are mainly caused by reactions occurring when neutrons hit the PE converter or the silicon diode directly. In this work, neutron interactions in the components of a PE converter silicon sensor have been calculated to determine energy deposition distributions for neutron energies from 1.2 v MeV to 14.8 v MeV. Experiments in quasi-monoenergetic neutron fields have been performed. For the simulation of the neutron interactions with the detector layers, the GSF neutron interaction code NISD has been applied. The transport of ions has been calculated separately by means of the program TRIM. It has been shown that by the use of these concepts and models, a rather good agreement of measured and computed pulse height distributions can be obtained and, consequently, the response of converter type detectors to neutron radiation can be determined.     

A high resolution neutron spectrometer for quasielastic scattering on the basis of spin-echo and magnetic resonance

We propose a high resolution neutron spectrometer, which combines the spin-echo principle with the separated coil magnetic resonance technique. The introduction of magnetic resonance instead of static spin-flippers in the spin-echo spectrometer allows the replacement of its high magnetic fields by low guide fields. The new technique represents a generalisation of the conventional spin-echo spectrometer.This property also holds for the double statistical-[8] the double Fourier- [9] and the Fotof-spectrometer [10], but those have not been built to our knowledge     

Analysis of the relationship between neutron dose and Cerenkov photons under neutron irradiation through Monte Carlo method

To theoretically explore the feasibility of neutron dose characterized by Cerenkov photons, the relationship between Cerenkov photons and neutron dose in a water phantom was quantified using the Monte Carlo toolkit Geant4. Results showed that the ratio of the neutron dose deposited by secondary electrons above Cerenkov threshold energy to the total neutron dose is approximately a constant for monoenergetic neutrons from 0.01 eV to 100 eV. With the initial neutron beam energy from 0.01 eV to 100 eV, the number of Cerenkov photons has a good correlation with the total neutron dose along the central axis of the water phantom. The changes of neutron energy spectrum and mechanism analysis also explored at different depths. And the ratio of total neutron dose to the intensity of Cerenkov photons is independent of neutron energy for neutrons from 0.01 eV to 100 eV. These findings indicate that Cerenkov radiation also has potential in the application of neutron dose measurement in some specific fields.     

Magnetic resonance imaging method based on magnetic susceptibility effects to estimate bubble size in alveolar products: application to bread dough during proving

Magnetic resonance imaging has proven its potential application in bread dough and gas cell monitoring studies, and dynamic processes such as dough proving and baking can be monitored. However, undesirable magnetic susceptibility effects often affect quantification studies, especially at high fields. A new low-field method is presented based on local assessment of porosity in spin-echo imaging, local characterization of signal loss in gradient-echo imaging and prediction of relaxation times by simulation to estimate bubble radii in bread dough during proving. Maps of radii showed different regions of dough constituting networks which evolved during proving. Mean radius and bubble distribution were assessed during proving.     

Coded-aperture imaging systems: Past,present and future development – A review

Scintillator based coded-aperture imaging has proven to be effective when applied for X- and gamma-ray detection. Adaptation of the same method for neutron imaging has resulted in a number of propitious systems, which could be potentially employed for neutron detection in security and nuclear decommissioning applications. Recently developed scintillator based coded-aperture imagers reveal that localisation of neutron sources using this technique may be feasible, since pulse shape discrimination algorithms implemented in the digital domain can reliably separate gamma-rays from fast neutron interactions occurring within an organic scintillator. Moreover, recent advancements in the development of solid organic scintillators make them a viable solution for nuclear decommissioning applications as they present less hazardous characteristics than currently dominating liquid scintillation detectors. In this paper existing applications of coded-apertures for radiation detection are critically reviewed, highlighting potential improvements for coded-aperture based neutron source localisation. Further, the suitability of coded-apertures for neutron imaging in nuclear decommissioning is also assessed using Monte-Carlo modelling.     

Instrumentation with polarized neutrons

Neutron scattering with polarization analysis is an indispensable tool for the investigation of novel materials exhibiting electronic, magnetic, and orbital degrees of freedom. In addition, polarized neutrons are necessary for neutron spin precession techniques that path the way to obtain extremely high resolution in space and time. Last but not least, polarized neutrons are being used for fundamental studies as well as very recently for neutron imaging. Many years ago, neutron beam lines were simply adapted for polarized beam applications by adding polarizing elements leading usually to unacceptable losses in neutron intensity. Recently, an increasing number of beam lines are designed such that an optimum use of polarized neutrons is facilitated. In addition, marked progress has been obtained in the technology of ³He polarizers and the reflectivity of large-m supermirrors. Therefore, if properly designed, only factors of approximately 2–3 in neutron intensity are lost. It is shown that S-benders provide neutron beams with an almost wavelength independent polarization. Using twin cavities, polarized beams with a homogeneous phase space and P>0.99 can be produced without significantly sacrificing intensity. It is argued that elliptic guides, which are coated with large m polarizing supermirrors, provide the highest flux.     

中子半影成像的数值模拟

 半影成像具有灵敏度高的特点，该技术是未来惯性约束聚变（ICF）中子成像的主要技术路线。基于中子半影成像的基本要求，利用蒙特卡罗方法，采用偏移抽样法和面通量的体通量替代技巧，模拟中子在半影成像系统中的输运，得到2维图像，并通过图像重建程序得到重建的源区图像。利用模拟结果，对编码孔屏蔽材料的选择和外径设计进行了初步优化，最终选择5 cm厚的钨屏蔽材料，其编码孔外径为1 cm。     

Spin-echo length calibration of OffSpec

OffSpec is one of the seven new spectrometers operational from day one in the second Target Station (TS2) at the pulsed spallation neutron source ISIS. OffSpec is a time-of-flight, low-background reflectometer specialized in off-specular scattering. It is unique because in addition to conventional reflectivity techniques, it is capable of using the neutron spin-echo angle labelling technique. One of the many possibilities of using this technique is measuring structures on a surface with the length scale of 20 nm-15 μm. Up to now the calibration of this length scale was made on the prototype instrument in Delft by measuring magnetic line integrals. This showed that the pole shoe design, an essential part of the spin-echo encoding, was not perfect, resulting in a different effective magnetic encoding angle from the physical angle. Recent reflection measurements on gold gratings not only confirmed this but also resulted in a reliable calibration.     

Spherical neutron polarimetry applied to spin-echo and time-of-flight spectroscopy

The changes in direction of the neutron spin that take place on scattering by a magnetic interaction vector are highly dependent on their relative directions. In some circumstances, without zero-field polarimeter, it is impossible to distinguish between a simple depolarisation and a rotation of the polarisation vector.Motivated by the investigation of chiral magnetic fluctuations, we have implemented the third-generation zero-field polarimeter Cryopad on the neutron spin-echo spectrometer SPAN at the Helmholtz Centre Berlin (HCB). We present the method and the limitations of this novel technique that is now available on IN15 at the ILL.The huge progress accomplished with ³He neutron spin filters/flippers are going to facilitate the exploitation of polarised beams at spallation sources. Zero-field polarimeters like Cryopad are used routinely at several steady-state sources but their design would be inefficient at a pulse source. We have investigated the possibility to implement a zero-field polarimeter on a time-of-flight spectrometer. We propose a design that would lead to a better efficiency and present the finite element calculations.     

Aggregating block copolymers as model systems to study polymer brush dynamics

Summary A-B block copolymers in a selective solvent—good for the B-species and bad for the A-species—form micellar aggregates with a compact A-core with a corona (brush) of B ?hairs? reaching into the solvent. Whereas polystyrene(PS)-polyisoprene(PI) in decane forms spherical micelles with a PS core of about 10 nm radius, polyethylene(PE)-polyethylenepropylene(PEP) forms micellar platelets, the shape of which is goverend by the habitus of PE crystallites forming the core. These planar aggregates have large (several hundred nanometers) lateral extension and a core thickness in the range of 10 nm. Both systems are model systems for polymer brushes, either on a spherical surface or planar. Neutron spin-echo experiments allow for the investigation of the dynamics of the brushes which reflects their viscoelastic properties. Results of neutron small-angle and spin-echo investigations are reported. The brush dynamics is explained using a model based on an idea of de Gennes describing the brush properties in terms of scaling relations for osmotic pressure and viscosity of a semi-dilute solution with inhomogeneous density. Paper presented at the I International Conference on Scaling Concepts and Complex Fluids, Copanello, Italy, July 4–8, 1994.     

Challenges in neutron spin echo spectroscopy

With the new brilliant neutron sources and the developments of novel optical elements, neutron spin echo (NSE) spectroscopy evolves to tackle new problems and scientific fields. The new developments pave the way to complex experimental set-ups such as the intensity modulated variant of NSE (IMNSE), a powerful technique which was introduced some 20 years ago but found limited use up to now. With the new compact supermirror or He³ polarizers IMNSE becomes attractive for a broad range of applications in magnetism, soft matter and biology. A novel development along this line is the polarimetric NSE technique, which combines IMNSE and the zero-field polarimeter Cryopad to access components of the scattered polarization that are transverse to the incoming polarization. Polarimetric NSE is the method of choice for studying chiral fluctuations, as illustrated by new results on the reference helimagnet MnSi.     

Geometric factor in the spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering technique based on magnetic fields that increase linearly with time

The sensitivity of the spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering technique based on magnetic fields that increase linearly with time is analyzed depending on the scattering geometry and the detector apperture. The application of sectoral collimators for the selection of scattering neutron trajectories is substantiated with the aim of improving the resolution and the corresponding effect on the data acquisition time is estimated.     

Recent enhancements to the understanding of the response of the NRPB neutron personal dosemeter

The response of the NRPB neutron personal dosemeter has been determined for intermediate energy neutrons using the code MCNP. These calculations fill the energy gap for which it is difficult to obtain calibration fields, and thereby enable the response function to cover the energy range from thermal to 15 MeV in an effectively continuous fashion. Recent free-in-air irradiations of the dosemeter around its fast neutron threshold have enabled the energy dependence of response in the 100 keV–1.2 MeV energy range to be determined with high resolution. The effect of performing these irradiations free-in-air has been investigated using monoenergetic irradiations and MCNP calculations.     

Response functions of Cs2LiYCl6: Ce scintillator to neutron and gamma radiation

Research into advanced screening technologies has become high priority in all aspects of occupational nuclear safety and environmental radiation protection. Neutrons are a fundamental part of radiation encountered in various fields of nuclear science and technology and their detection is still employing detectors with a high thermal neutron response embedded in a thermalizing medium where helium based devices have been a dominant choice in many applications. Recently, there have been newly developed sensors based on multi-elements that include ⁶Li and ³⁵Cl isotopes to detect neutrons and gamma radiation. Among these new sensors one can cite the elpasolite scintillator, known as CLYC. This sensor contains two neutron sensitive isotopes and may serve as a dual detector for gamma as well as for neutron radiation. In this paper, the response functions of this sensor have been investigated in different fields of neutron and gamma-radiation. The sensor responses have been simulated using Monte Carlo N-Particle MCNPX code and a series of experiments have been carried out to validate the simulated data. Both sets of data are presented and discussed.     

Development of neutron resonance spin flipper for high resolution spin echo spectrometer

A new type of neutron resonance spin flipper (RSF) with high frequency oscillating magnetic field has been developed for Modulated IntEnsity by Zero Effort (MIEZE) spectrometer at cold neutron beam line MINE1 at JRR-3M reactor in JAEA. Dipole magnets enable us to provide the strong static fields for the RSFs. MIEZE signals have been demonstrated with the effective frequency of 600 kHz by using the new RSFs. The contrast of the signals was 0.58. The MIEZE spectrometer is under final process to practical use. The spectrometers can also be applied to the pulsed neutrons like J-PARC.