Platypus: a time-of-flight neutron reflectometer at Australia’s new research reactor

Article type: Research Article

Authors: James, M. | Nelson, A. | Brule, A. | Schulz, J.C.

Affiliations: Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, PMB 1, Menai NSW 2234, Australia

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: +61-2-9717-9299. Email: [email protected]

Abstract: A time-of-flight neutron reflectometer is to be built at the new 20 MW research reactor (OPAL) in Sydney. The instrument will be positioned at the end of a curved supermirror neutron guide that will provide optimal transmission of cold neutrons (2–20 Å) while removing fast neutrons and high-energy γ-rays. The reflectometer will utilise a white neutron beam that will be pulsed using a series of boron coated disc choppers. Typically three angle settings will be required to collect a complete reflectivity profile (from Qz = 0.005–0.5 Å−1). The new instrument will operate with a vertical scattering plane, making it suitable for both solid and “free-liquid” surfaces. The instrument will also be capable of producing a spin-polarized neutron beam making provision for polarized neutron reflectometry studies. Detection of the reflected neutrons will take place using a 2-dimensional 3He delay-line detector with high-speed data acquisition electronics.

Keywords: Time-of-flight neutron reflectometer, Free liquid samples, Polarised neutron reflectometry, Off-specular reflectometry

DOI: 10.1080/10238160500472688

Journal: Journal of Neutron Research, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 91-108, 2006