Concept of Small-Angle Diffractometer in Classical Configuration at the Cold Moderator of the IBR-2 Reactor

Abstract

The possible concepts whereby a time-of-flight small-angle diffractometer optimized for a neutron moderator operating in the cold (at 30 K) and thermal (at 300 K) modes can be implemented at the IBR-2 reactor are studied on the basis of numerical calculations. Under cold conditions, the peak of the neutronbeam energy spectrum is shifted toward low energies (long wavelengths). This extends the sensitivity range of the instrument with respect to the sizes of the objects under study (1–100 nm and higher). A classical scheme enabling the separation of thermal/cold neutrons (E ~10^–3–10^–2 eV) from the background (formed mainly by fast neutrons), which is based on bent neutron-optical devices, is discussed. Due to restrictions imposed by the geometry of the beamline within which the instrument is planned to be located, a configuration with a short multichannel mirror device for beam bending (beam bender) is preferable. Simulation and optimization of the proposed small-angle instrument is carried out taking into account the real beamline geometry and the available space in the experimental reactor hall. A comparison of the setup has been made with the facility based on the curved neutron guide and the facility with direct view of the moderator.