Neutron Focusing Using Kumakhov Lens

现代材料的表征要求分析探针具有优异的检测限和亚微米尺度的空间分辨率。在这个项目中，我们开发了一个中子聚焦装置，它可以显着增强用于这种规模的表面，界面和体积的无损研究的分析技术。现有的分析技术将从这一发展中受益，包括中子深度剖面、伽马激活分析和中子层析成像。该研究随后将导致中子显微镜和三维构象的实际应用。由于低能中子具有类似于光的光学性质，我们将采用毛细光学，毛细光学已经显示出聚焦X射线的潜力。我们将计算中子通过这种毛细管的传输效率，测量冷中子的传输概率，并演示使用这种装置聚焦中子的可行性。对这些结果的分析将使原型透镜的设计适合于空间分布的中子源，这些中子源是由研究堆中可用的冷中子提供的。然后，该装置将在分析仪器中实现商业化。

Characterization of modern materials requires analytical probes with superior detection limits and spatial resolution on a submicron scale. In this project we develop a neutron focusing device which can significantly enhance analytical techniques used for the nondestructive investigation of surfaces, interfaces and volumes on such a scale. Existing analytical techniques which will benefit from this development are neutron depth profiling, prompt gamma activation analysis and neutron tomography. The research will subsequently lead to the practical application of neutron microscopy and three dimensional conformational. Since low energy neutrons have optical properties analogous to light, we will adapt capillary optics which have already shown potential for focusing X- rays. We will calculate the transmission efficiency of neutrons through such capillaries, measure the probability of transmission of cold neutrons, and demonstrate the feasibility of foucusing neutrons using such a device. Analysis of these results will enable the design of a prototype lens suitable for spatially distributed neutron sources provided by cold neutrons available from a research reactor. The device will then be made available commercially for implementing in analytical instruments.