Introducing the inverted-geometry time-of-flight backscattering instrument, MARS at SINQ

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Tregenna-Piggott, Philip L.W.^; | Juranyi, Fanni | Allenspach, Peter

Affiliations: Laboratory for Neutron Scattering, ETH Zürich and Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland | Laboratory for Development and Methods, ETH Zürich and Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland

Note: [] Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]

Abstract: The design and performance of the new inverted-geometry time-of-flight backscattering instrument, Mica Analyzer high Resolution inverted time-of-flight backscattering Spectrometer (MARS) located at SINQ, at the Paul Scherrer Institut, is described. The spectrometer boasts high resolution over a large neutron energy transfer range, reaching 1 µeV at the elastic line. The foremost distinguishing feature is the moveable analyzer banks, allowing resolution matching between the primary and secondary instrument, thus achieving optimal intensity. A wide Q-range is obtained by selecting different mica analyzer reflections, rendering MARS a highly versatile spectrometer with applications foreseen across many branches of the physical and biological sciences.

Keywords: Backscattering, High-resolution, Quasielastic, Inelastic

DOI: 10.1080/10238160802180393

Journal: Journal of Neutron Research, vol. 16, no. 1, 2, pp. 1-12, 2008