SGER: A Multi-User Neutron Diffractometer: Conceptual Design

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The objectives of this project are to (1) develop a conceptual design for a single-circle neutron diffractometer/reflectometer for structural studies of membrane and other partially ordered interfacial systems to be operated at Center for Neutron Research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, (2) determine the cost of the construction of the diffractometer, and (3) develop a plan for the construction and operation of the diffractometer through a multi-agency funding mechanism. A Planning Group comprised of experts in neutron diffraction and reflectometry and neutron instrumentation has been assembled to accomplish these objectives. The funds requested will be used to support the Planning Group's activities in the pursuit of the objectives. Neutron diffraction has unique capabilities for structural studies of diverse biological and physical systems. There is presently a world-wide shortage of neutron facilities, especially for studies of membrane and other interfacial systems. The only membrane diffractometer in the United States is located at Brookhaven National Laboratory's High Flux Beam Reactor (HFBR), which was recently shut down for an indefinite period of time. Even if the HFBR restarts in the next several years, there is a need for a second diffractometer in order to meet the rising demand for neutron instruments as well as to assure an uninterrupted supply of neutrons for membrane structural studies. The proposed instrument at NIST will be designed to have significantly better capabilities than existing instruments and will be the first membrane diffractometer that uses a cold-neutron source.