Wavelength frame multiplication for reflectometry at long-pulse neutron sources

Area of Science:

• Neutron scattering
• Materials science
• Instrumentation

Background:

• The European Spallation Source (ESS) is a next-generation neutron facility under construction.
• ESS will feature unprecedented brilliance and a novel long-pulse time structure.
• Long-pulse sources offer high flux and tunable resolution via pulse shaping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the implementation and reliability of Wavelength Frame Multiplication (WFM) for neutron reflectometry.
• To validate WFM for achieving high resolution in neutron scattering experiments.
• To showcase the integrated instrument control, data acquisition, and reduction chain for ESS.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a test beamline at a research reactor for component and method testing.
• Implemented WFM in a short pulse mode for reflectometry experiments.
• Conducted experiments on two reference samples using identical geometrical configurations.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated the WFM approach for neutron reflectometry.
• Provided comparative results for reference samples, validating the technique.
• Showcased the complete data handling pipeline, from control to reduction.

Conclusions:

• WFM is a reliable method for enhancing resolution in neutron reflectometry at ESS.
• The demonstrated data handling chain is ready for implementation at the ESS.
• These experiments pave the way for successful first science at the ESS.