Neutron Optics

This volume describes modern developments in reflective, refractive and diffractive optics for short wavelength radiation. It also covers recent theoretical approaches to modelling and ray-tracing the x-ray and neutron optical systems. It is based on the joint research activities of specialists in x-ray and neutron optics, working together under the framework of the European Programme for Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST, Action P7) in the period 2002-2006.

Written by authors with an international reputation, acknowledged expertise and teaching experience, this is the most up-to-date resource on the field. The text is clearly structured throughout so as to be readily accessible, and begins by looking at scattering of a scalar particle by one-dimensional systems. The second section deals with the scattering of neutrons with spin in one-dimensional potentials, while the third treats dynamical diffraction in three-dimensional periodic media. The final two sections conclude with incoherent and small angle scattering, and some problems of quantum mechanics. With its treatment of the theories, experiments and applications involved in neutron optics, this relevant reading for nuclear physicists and materials scientists alike.

Neutron optics studies the interactions of a beam of slow neutrons with matter. This book updates various advances on neutron optics. There will be a focus on the very active topics of neutron imaging (NI) and neutron spin optics (NSO). The book will also present applications of neutron beams in biomedicine, such as Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and related techniques. Features: Discusses diffraction and interference of slow neutrons, including computational approaches Reviews neutron imaging (NI) and neutron spin optics (NSO) Treats two major sources of slow neutron beams: (1) fission reactions at nuclear reactors and (2) collisions in particle accelerators (small ones, spallation sources) of charged particle beams with targets of heavy atoms Selects subjects on fundamental quantum aspects of slow neutrons and on confined propagation and waveguiding thereof Updates slow neutron beams and BNCT

An Introduction to the Theory of Neutron Optical Phenomena and their Applications.

Covering a wide range of topics related to neutron and x-ray optics, this book explores the aspects of neutron and x-ray optics and their associated background and applications in a manner accessible to both lower-level students while retaining the detail necessary to advanced students and researchers. It is a self-contained book with detailed mathematical derivations, background, and physical concepts presented in a linear fashion. A wide variety of sources were consulted and condensed to provide detailed derivations and coverage of the topics of neutron and x-ray optics as well as the background material needed to understand the physical and mathematical reasoning directly related or indirectly related to the theory and practice of neutron and x-ray optics. The book is written in a clear and detailed manner, making it easy to follow for a range of readers from undergraduate and graduate science, engineering, and medicine. It will prove beneficial as a standalone reference or as a complement to textbooks. Supplies a historical context of covered topics. Detailed presentation makes information easy to understand for researchers within or outside the field. Incorporates reviews of all relevant literature in one convenient resource.

This volume describes modern developments in reflective, refractive and diffractive optics for short wavelength radiation. It also covers recent theoretical approaches to modelling and ray-tracing the x-ray and neutron optical systems. It is based on the joint research activities of specialists in x-ray and neutron optics, working together under the framework of the European Programme for Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST, Action P7) in the period 2002-2006.

This work covers in some detail the application of neutron scattering to different fields of physics, materials science, chemistry, biology, the earth sciences and engineering. Its goal is to enable researchers in a particular area to identify aspects of their work in which neutron scattering techniques might contribute, conceive the important experiments to be done, assess what is required to carry them out, write a successful proposal for one of the major user facilities, and perform the experiments under the guidance of the appropriate instrument scientist. The authors of the various chapters take account of the advances in experimental techniques over the past 25 years--for example, neutron reflectivity and spin-echo spectroscopy and techniques for probing the dynamics of complex materials and biological systems. Furthermore, with the third-generation spallation sources recently constructed in the United States and Japan and in the advanced planning stage in Europe, there is an increasing interest in time-of-flight techniques and short wavelengths. Correspondingly, the improved performance of cold moderators at both reactors and spallation sources has extended the long-wavelength capabilities. Chapter authors are pre-eminent in their field Seminal experiments are presented as examples Provides guidance on how to plan, execute and analyse experiments

This book provides an introduction to the basic principles of neutron scattering and its application to current problems in condensed matter science and technology. Experiments on novel materials are particularly emphasized.