USING LIGHT TO SEE NEUTRONS AND ACCESSING THE 2D HIGH RESOLUTION: BAROTRON: A NEW PULSE FOR NEUTRON SCATTERING

Abstract

Since first years of exploitation in 1960-70, neutron scattering has emerged as a unique and non-destructive means to probing inside matter properties at the nanometer length scales. Because the neutron production is scarce and expensive, the detection has to be extremely efficient. We take advantage of the recent improvements of light sensors in photon detection and detection dynamics, to develop a new type of two-dimensional neutron detector combining high detection efficiency and high spatial resolution. A prototype named Barotron (from the name of the inventor) has been built on this strategy. This 2D-neutron detector displays exceptional performances: Wide reciprocal space observation, spatial resolution lower than 0.5mm, low detection threshold (<1 neutron/cm²/s), reduced dimensions and a permanent possibility of upgrading. We underline the advantage of associating an accurate wavelength selection and point out the possibility to operate in time of flight mode. This type of instruments certainly foreshadows the future neutron scattering landscape, in particular in the view of future spallation sources.