Detector development for spin-echo SANS techniques using ZnS:Ag/⁶LiF and ⁶Li glass scintillators.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Neutron Scattering

Background:

• Neutron spin-echo (NSE) techniques utilize Larmor precession for enhanced momentum transfer (Q) and energy (E) range in neutron scattering.
• Standard small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is limited to 10-200 nm length scales, while NSE extends this to tens of micrometers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the development and performance of two novel detectors for the Larmor instrument at ISIS.
• To enable advanced neutron scattering measurements in spin-echo modulated SANS (SEMSANS) and spin-echo SANS (SESANS) modes.

Main Methods:

• Development of a ZnS:Ag/⁶LiF scintillator detector with wavelength shifting fibers (WLSF) for both SEMSANS and SESANS.
• Development of a GS20 glass scintillator detector coupled to a multi-anode photomultiplier for SESANS at higher neutron fluxes.

Main Results:

• Both detectors were successfully implemented and tested on the Larmor instrument.
• The WLSF detector and the pixelated GS20 detector demonstrated suitability for SEMSANS and SESANS applications, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The developed detectors significantly enhance the capabilities of neutron scattering instruments for studying material structures.
• Future improvements and alternative development routes show strong potential for advancing SEMSANS and SESANS applications.