Neutron Focusing Using Kumakhov Lens

现代材料的表征需要分析探针 具有上级检测限和空间分辨率 亚微米尺度。 在这个项目中，我们开发了一个中子聚焦 一种能显著提高分析技术的装置 用于表面、界面和 在这样的规模上。 现有的分析技术， 从这一发展中受益的是中子深度剖面， 伽马活化分析和中子断层扫描 研究 将导致中子的实际应用 显微镜和三维构象。 由于低能量 中子具有类似于光的光学性质，我们将适应 毛细管光学已经显示出聚焦X-射线的潜力， 射线 我们将计算中子的传输效率 通过这些毛细血管，测量传播的可能性 冷中子，并证明了聚焦的可行性 中子使用这样的设备。 对这些结果的分析将 使得能够设计透镜适合于在空间上 由冷中子提供的分布式中子源 一个研究反应堆。 该设备将提供给 商业上用于在分析仪器中实施。

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.