Phillip M. Bentley

Virtual experiments: the ultimate aim of neutron ray-tracing simulations

We define a virtual neutron experiment as a complete simulation of an experiment, from source over sample to detector. The virtual experiment (VE) will ideally interface with the instrument control software for the input and with standard data analysis packages for the virtual data output. Virtual experiments are beginning to make their way into neutron scattering science with applications as diverse as instrument design/upgrade, experiment planning, data analysis, test of analysis software, teaching, and outreach. In this paper, we summarize the recent developments in this field and make suggestions for future developments and use of VEs.

Correction of optical aberrations in elliptic neutron guides

Modern, nonlinear ballistic neutron guides are an attractive concept in neutron beam delivery and instrumentation because they offer increased performance over straight or linearly tapered guides. However, like other ballistic geometries they have the potential to create significantly non-trivial instrumental resolution functions. We address the source of the most prominent optical aberration, namely coma, and we show that for extended sources the off-axis rays have a different focal length from on-axis rays, leading to multiple reflections in the guide system. We illustrate how the interplay between coma, sources of finite size, and mirrors with non-perfect reflectivity can therefore conspire to produce uneven distributions in the neutron beam divergence, a source of complicated resolution functions. To solve these problems, we propose a hybrid elliptic-parabolic guide geometry. Using this new kind of neutron guide shape, it is possible to condition the neutron beam and remove almost all of the aberrations, whilst providing the same performance in beam current as a standard elliptic neutron guide. We highlight the positive implications for neutron scattering instruments that this new shape can bring. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (Less)

A polyethylene-B4C based concrete for enhanced neutron shielding at neutron research facilities

We present the development of a specialized concrete for neutron shielding at neutron research facilities, based on the addition of hydrogen atoms in the form of polyethylene and also B4C for enhancing the neutron capture properties of the concrete. We show information on the mechanical properties of the concrete and the neutronics, in particular its relevance to modern spallation neutron sources, such as the European Spallation Source (ESS), currently under construction in Lund, Sweden. The new concrete exhibits a 15% lower mass density, a compressible strength of 50% relative to a standard concrete and a significant increase in performance of shielding against MeV neutrons and lower energies. The concrete could find application at the ESS in for example common shielding components, individual beamline shielding and instrument caves. Initial neutronic tests of the concrete, carried out at Lund University, have also verified the performance in the MeV neutron energy range and the results are presented.

Application of the MCNPX-McStas interface for shielding calculations and guide design at ESS

Recently, an interface between the Monte Carlo code MCNPX and the neutron ray-tracing code MCNPX was developed [1, 2]. Based on the expected neutronic performance and guide geometries relevant for the ESS, the combined MCNPX-McStas code is used to calculate dose rates along neutron beam guides. The generation and moderation of neutrons is simulated using a full scale MCNPX model of the ESS target monolith. Upon entering the neutron beam extraction region, the individual neutron states are handed to McStas via the MCNPX-McStas interface. McStas transports the neutrons through the beam guide, and by using newly developed event logging capability, the neutron state parameters corresponding to un-reflected neutrons are recorded at each scattering. This information is handed back to MCNPX where it serves as neutron source input for a second MCNPX simulation. This simulation enables calculation of dose rates in the vicinity of the guide. In addition the logging mechanism is employed to record the scatterings along the guides which is exploited to simulate the supermirror quality requirements (i.e. m-values) needed at different positions along the beam guide to transport neutrons in the same guide/source setup.

Optimization of multi-channel neutron focusing guides for extreme sample environments

In this work, we present and discuss simulation results for the design of multi-channel neutron focusing guides for extreme sample environments. A single focusing guide consists of any number of supermirror-coated curved outer channels surrounding a central channel. Furthermore, a guide is separated into two sections in order to allow for extension into a sample environment. The performance of a guide is evaluated through a Monte-Carlo ray tracing simulation which is further coupled to an optimization algorithm in order to find the best possible guide for a given situation. A number of population-based algorithms have been investigated for this purpose. These include particle-swarm optimization, artificial bee colony, and differential evolution. The performance of each algorithm and preliminary results of the design of a multi-channel neutron focusing guide using these methods are described. We found that a three-channel focusing guide offered the best performance, with a gain factor of 2.4 compared to no focusing guide, for the design scenario investigated in this work. (Less)

Design and experimental tests of a novel neutron spin analyzer for wide angle spin echo spectrometers

This paper describes the design and experimental tests of a novel neutron spin analyzer optimized for wide angle spin echo spectrometers. The new design is based on nonremanent magnetic supermirrors, which are magnetized by vertical magnetic fields created by NdFeB high field permanent magnets. The solution presented here gives stable performance at moderate costs in contrast to designs invoking remanent supermirrors. In the experimental part of this paper we demonstrate that the new design performs well in terms of polarization, transmission, and that high quality neutron spin echo spectra can be measured.

Optimization of moderators and beam extraction at the ESS

All instruments at the European Spallation Source (ESS), Lund, Sweden, are served by a carefully optimized moderator assembly, providing world-leading performance and excellent flexibility and upgradeability.

m=1 coatings for neutron guides

A substantial fraction of the price for a supermirror neutron guide system is the shielding, which is needed because of the gamma radiation produced as a result of neutron absorption in the supermirror layers. Traditional coatings have been made of nickel-titanium heterostructures, but Ni and Ti also have a fairly high absorption cross section for cold and thermal neutrons. We examine a number of alternatives to Ni as part of a study to reduce the gamma radiation from neutron guides. Materials such as diamond and Be have higher neutron scattering density than Ni, smaller absorption cross section, and when a neutron is absorbed they emit gamma photons with lower energies. We present reflectivity data comparing Ni with Be and preliminary results from diamond coatings showing there use as neutron guide coatings. Calculations show that Be and diamond coatings emit two orders of magnitude fewer gamma photons compared to Ni, mainly because of the lower absorption cross section.

High Intensity Neutron Beamlines

We describe the current technology available for producing and delivering high performance neutron beams at modern facilities for neutron scattering experiments. This overview includes optimal neutron production, optical techniques and devices, the use of the beams on the instruments, and also methods of simulation and modeling.

Preparation for activation measurements of concrete and PE-B4C-concrete to be applied for shielding at the European Spallation Source

To improve the effect of the concrete below 10 MeV where iron has resonances in the cross section, a new concrete have been developed. The PE-B4C-concrete utilizes hydrogen containing PE to thermal ...