Nanoscale-Ordered Materials Diffractometer (NOMAD)
The Nanoscale Ordered Materials Diffractometer (NOMAD) is a high-flux, medium-resolution diffractometer for SNS using a large bandwidth of neutron energies and extensive detector coverage to carry out structural determinations of local order in crystalline and amorphous materials.
NOMAD enables studies of a large variety of samples ranging from liquids, solutions, glasses, polymers, and nanocrystalline materials to long-range ordered crystals. The enhanced neutron flux at SNS coupled with the advanced neutron optics and detector features allows unprecedented access to high-resolution pair distribution functions, small-contrast isotope substitution experiments, small sample sizes, and parametric studies.
Fig. 1. Inside detectors tank
NOMAD Science
NOMAD is designed for investigation of systems with no long-range order, where interatomic and intermolecular interactions can be probed only through detailed investigation of short-range order.
The ability to synthesize and use novel nanoscale systems, including crystalline materials, can be enhanced through accurate determination of structural features of materials from interatomic to nanometer length scales. The structural characterization of new materials provides critical feedback for further improvements in synthesis and in tuning of desired properties.
This diffractometer is designed to effectively and efficiently use the high flux at SNS for studies of atomic-level and nanoscale structure to provide the basis for continuing advances in understanding and exploiting the fundamental interactions that control the properties of materials.
More information can be found in this NOMAD Overview presentation.
Fig.2. The data collected in 1 second on diamond powder (backscattering detectors only)
Fig.3. The data collected in 20 minutes on SiO2
