On the use of a composite moderator at the IBR-2 reactor: Advantages for the neutron-diffraction texture analysis of rocks

Abstract

A unique cold moderator based on a mixture of mesitylene and m-xylene is developed for the IBR-2 pulsed reactor. If combined with a standard warm-water moderator, it provides a high neutron flux in a wide wavelength range. The advantages of the use of this composite moderator in neutron-diffraction texture analysis are discussed using the example of a sample of slate (formed from five minerals) studied using the SKAT diffractometer. The diffraction data obtained in experiments with warm-water and composite moderators are compared.