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NG7 HORIZONTAL NEUTRON REFLECTOMETER
THE REFLECTOMETER
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Neutron reflectometry is a relatively new technique for investigating the near-surface structure of many materials. Specifically, it probes the neutron scattering density at depths of up to several thousand Å, with an effective depth resolution of a few Å. What is measured is the profile of reflectivity as a function of angle beyond the critical angle for total external reflection. The sample must thus present a smooth, flat surface, preferably several cm2 in area. The method is extensively used for studies of polymer surfaces, Langmuir-Blodgett films, and thin films and multilayers of metals and semiconductors, both magnetic and non-magnetic.The cold neutron reflectometer permits routine measurement of reflectivities as low as 10-6 in typical run times of a few hours. As shown in the schematic drawing below, a pyrolytic graphite monochromator array deflects neutrons onto a horizontal sample surface at a shallow angle ofincidence. Reflected neutrons are measured by a detector after passing through an exit slit system.
Independent movement of both sample and detector allows measurement of off-specular scattering. A position-sensitive detector permits simultaneous measurement of specular and off-specular scattering.
Instrument Scientists
Sushil Satija (301) 975-5250 satija@nist.gov Bulent Akgun (301) 975-6469 bulent.akgun@nist.gov
Last modified 21-November-2012 by website owner: NCNR (attn: Bulent Akgun)