Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology, Sarang

Presentation on
“Neutron Scattering”
Guided by: P.K.Malik
Submitted by Brijesh Chandra
Roll no:25609
Regd no:0601105054
 Out line
• Introduction
• Why neutrons?
• Neutron Vs X-Rays!
• Neutron Scattering
• Types of Neutron Scattering
• Small Angle Neutron Scattering
• Advantages of neutron scattering
• Achievements of neutron
scattering
 Introduction
 Neutron scattering is a technique which is
outsourced in various field inorder to determine
the valuable properties of materials within short
span of time.
 Neutrons are useful in determining vibrational,
magnetic & lattice excitation.
 Neutron Scattering falls into two basic categories -
elastic and inelastic.
 Why neutrons?
• Neutrons have No Charge!
• Highly penetrating
• Nondestructive
• Can be used in extremes
• Neutrons have a Magnetic Moment!
• The Energies of neutrons are similar to the
energies of elementary excitations!
• Molecular Vibrations and Lattice modes
• Magnetic excitations
• The Wavelengths of neutrons are similar to
atomic spacing!

• • Sensitive to structure
Magnetic structure
• • Gathers information from 10-10 to 10-7 m
Fluctuations
• • Crystal structures and atomic spacings
Magnetic materials

• • Neutrons probe Nuclei!

Neutrons have Spin!
• • Light atom sensitive
Polarized beams
• • Sensitive to isotopic substitution
Atomic orientation
• Coherent and incoherent scattering
Neutron vs X-ray
How do we get neutrons?
Research Reactor Sources
 Uses nuclear fission to
create neutrons
 Continuous neutron flux
 Flux is dependent on
fission rate
 Limited by heat flow in
from the reaction
 Creates radioactive
nuclear waste
 How do we get neutrons?
Spallation Sources
 Uses a cascade effect
from the collision of a
proton on a heavy
metal.
 Pulsed Source
 High Intensity
 Heat production is
relatively low
 What is neutron scattering?
Elastic Neutron Scattering
• No loss of energy
• Examines the change in
momentum or angle of the
neutrons.

Inelastic Neutron Scattering

• Examines both momentum
and energy dependencies.
 TYPES OF NEUTRON SCATTERING
NEUTRON
SCATTERING

Inelastic
Neutron Neutron
neutron SANS
diffraction reflectometry
Scattering
Elastic Neutron Scattering
• Determine length scales
and differentiate
between nano-, micro-,
and macro-systems.
• Utilizes position and
momentum correlation.
Schematic diagram of Elastic scattering
 Inelastic Neutron Scattering

Uses both change in momentum and energy to

characterize a systems vibrational, magnetic, and lattice
excitations.
Schematic diagram of inelastic scattering
 SMALL ANGLE NEUTRON
SCATTERING
• Similar to SAXS.
• Critical Opalescence.
• Wide variety of technological and scientific
application.
• Uses collimation of neutron beam to determine
the scattering angle of a neutron.
• USANS and SESANS
SANS Instrumentation
• Monochromatic (filters neutrons at different wavelengths), Collimation(slit
used to sample beam size), Sample table (10X10cm), detector (helium
used)
 DISADVANTAGES OF SANS

• Neutron sources are very expensive.

• Neutron flux is very low.

• Large samples are required due to low

interaction of neutrons with matter.

 ADVANTAGES OF NEUTRON
SCATTERING
• Wide range of energy scales may be probed.
• Measurement over wide range of distance
scales.
• Structural and dynamic information can be
achieved in greater detail.
• Study of microscopic magnetic structures.
• Neutrons are non-destructive.
• Most reliable source of scientific information.
 MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF NEUTRON
SCATTERING
• Magnetic Structures
• Elementary Excitations and Phase Transitions
• Polymer Conformation and Dynamics
• Structure and Dynamics of Liquids
• Proton Positions and Motions in Biomolecules
• Crystal Structures and Magnetism of High Temperature
Superconductors
• Concepts of Statistical Physics
• Strain in Engineering Materials
• Electro-weak Interaction
• Quantization of Neutron Waves in the Field of Gravity
 Conclusion
• Neutrons are produced in two main ways
• Research Reactors
• Spallation Sources
• The different principles & techniques involved
in neutron scattering, both elastic and inelastic
have been discussed.
• Neutron scattering encompasses all scientific
techniques whereby the deflection of neutron
radiation is used as a scientific probe.
 References
• 1. P. A. Egelstaff: Thermal Neutron Scattering, Academic Press, New York (1965).
• 2. A.A.Z. Ahmad, Nuclear Science & Applications B6, 14 (1973).
• 3. G.E. Bacon, Neutron Diffraction, 3rd Edition, Clarendon Press, Oxford (1975).
• 4. K.R. Rao, Physics News, 9, No. 4, 1 (1978).
• 5 C. G. Windsor, A.J. Allen, M.T. Hutchings, C.M. Sayers, R.N. Sinclair, P. Schofield, C.J.
Wright, Proc. Conf. Neutron Scattering in the Nineties, IAEA-CN-46/45, p 575 ( 1985 ).
• 6. A. Z. Ahmad, Proc. Seminar on Operation and Utilization of the Research Reactor at
AERE, Savar, Dhaka, September, 14, 1987 p.112 (1988).
• 7. F. U. Ahmed, A.A. Khan, M.A. Awal and A.A.Z. Ahmad, INST Internal Report No.
INST28/RNPD-2(June1988).
• 8. Guinier, and G. Fournet, Small-Angle Scattering of X-Rays, John Wiley and Sons, New
York, 1955. A more accessible source may be http://www.ncnr.nist.gov/resources/
• 9. J. S. Higgins and H. C. Benoit, Polymers and Neutron Scattering, Clarendon Press, Oxford
(1994)
• 10. G. L. Squires, Introduction to Thermal Neutron Scattering, Dover Publications, New York
(1996)
THANK YOU
ALL.