Neutron Focusing Using Kumakhov Lens

现代材料的表征要求分析探头在亚微米尺度上具有卓越的检测下限和空间分辨率。在这个项目中，我们开发了一种中子聚焦装置，它可以显著提高用于对如此规模的表面、界面和体积进行无损研究的分析技术。将从这一发展中受益的现有分析技术是中子深度剖面图、即时伽马激活分析和中子层析。这项研究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，我们将采用已经显示出聚焦X射线潜力的毛细管光学。我们将计算中子通过这种毛细管的传输效率，测量冷中子的传输几率，并论证使用这种装置引爆中子的可行性。对这些结果的分析将使设计一种适用于空间分布的中子源的原型透镜成为可能，该中子源是由研究反应堆提供的冷中子提供的。然后，该装置将在商业上可用于分析仪器中。

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.