NIMROD: The Near and InterMediate Range Order Diffractometer of the ISIS second target station

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Neutron Scattering

Background:

• Characterizing disordered materials and liquids requires techniques spanning atomic to nanoscale length scales.
• Bridging the gap between small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and wide angle diffraction (WAD) is crucial for comprehensive structural analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Near and InterMediate Range Order Diffractometer (NIMROD) at the ISIS second target station.
• To highlight NIMROD's unique capabilities for studying disordered materials and liquids across a continuous length scale.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes a hybrid liquid water and liquid hydrogen neutron moderator assembly for broad band-pass radiation.
• Employs a low and wider angle array of high efficiency neutron scintillation detectors.
• Features a common calibration procedure for the entire length scale, from atomic to 30 nm.

Main Results:

• NIMROD achieves subatomic distance resolution for structural studies.
• The instrument provides a continuous length scale analysis from atomic distances up to 30 nm.
• It successfully bridges the gap between SANS and WAD.

Conclusions:

• NIMROD offers a powerful new tool for the structural investigation of disordered materials and liquids.
• The instrument enables quantitative links between nanoscale systems and local atomic/molecular order.
• This advancement facilitates a deeper understanding of material properties and processes.