Focusing Optics for Neutrons

Abstract

Neutrons beams are difficult to handle since the neutron is a neutral particle with a very weak interaction with matter. In addition, neutron sources are broad and isotropic, which makes it very challenging to provide high neutron fluxes at sample positions in order to perform scattering experiments. Despite these problems techniques have been developed that allow high neutron fluxes to be brought to the sample position, focused over small areas. The whole range of optical solutions has been considered, namely refraction, reflection and diffraction. Progress in the field of neutron optics has accelerated in the last decade and as a consequence has provided major improvements for all types of neutron spectrometers and their applications.