Neutron Spin Echo Spectrometer (NSE)

Neutron Spin Echo Spectrometer

NSE was designed and constructed by an Instrument Development Team (IDT) at the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science.

To cover the domain of ultrahigh resolution spectroscopy, NSE was developed for SNS. Here we present the layout of the planned instrument with a Fourier time range that covers τ = 1 ps … 1 µs and high effective neutron flux. A huge field of application will be the investigation of soft condensed matter and complex fluids. However, easily accessible optional modes for a ferromagnetic and intensity modulated NSE respectively offers access also to magnetic samples.

Built on beam line 15, NSE is the best of its class with respect to both resolution and dynamic range. Exploiting superconducting technology and developing novel field correction elements [1], the maximum achievable Fourier time (i.e., the resolution) will be extended up to 1 µs. Utilizing wavelengths of 0.25 > λ/nm > 2.0, an unprecedented dynamical range of up to 1:106 can be achieved. Optional easily accessible operation modes as ferromagnetic and intensity modulated NSE will enable the detailed investigation of magnetic samples and phenomena. The design of the spectrometer takes full advantage of the recent progresses in neutron optics and polarizing supermirror microbenders [2,3], resulting in considerable gains in polarized neutron flux over a wide wavelength range, as well as easy access to the intensity modulated mode.

References

  1. M. Monkenbusch in “Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy,” Eds. F. Mezei, C. Pappas, T. Gutberlet, Lecture Notes in Physics 601, Springer-Verlag Heidelberg (2003).
  2. Th. Krist and F. Mezei, Physica B 276-278, 208 (2000).
  3. B. Farago in “Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy,” Eds. F. Mezei, C. Pappas, T. Gutberlet, Lecture Notes in Physics 601, Springer-Verlag Heidelberg (2003).
  4. B. Farago, F. Mezei, Physica B 136, 627 (1986).
  5. G. Zsigmond, K. Lieutenant, F. Mezei, Neutron News 13.4, 11 (2002).