Abstract

We present finite element simulations of a superconducting magnetic Wollaston prism (WP) for neutron scattering with high encoding efficiency and low Larmor phase aberrations. To achieve this, we develop and quantify the design criteria. The validation of simulation tools used for this work are investigated by using two software packages: RADIA and MagNet©. Based on the optimization criteria, various possible configurations of WP are explored with MagNet, from which the best configuration is chosen for further optimization. To optimize the best configuration, the influence of various physical parameters is investigated, including the dimensions, shapes and arrangements of components of the device. The optimum WP was built and measured at both pulsed and constant wavelength neutron sources. In flipping mode, a neutron spin flipping efficiency of ∼98.5% was measured independent of neutron wavelength and applied current. In a precession mode, measurements showed a highly linear Larmor phase variation along the horizontal direction with low depolarization. Simulations of the device agree well with the experimental measurements. Possible applications of the device are also discussed.

Details

Title
Magnetic field optimization and design of a superconducting neutron Wollaston prism
Author
F Li 1 ; Parnell, S R 2 ; Wang, T 1 ; Baxter, D V 1 ; Pynn, R 3 

 Center for Exploration of Energy and Matter, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA 
 Center for Exploration of Energy and Matter, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 15, 2629 JB Delft, The Netherlands 
 Center for Exploration of Energy and Matter, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA; Neutron Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA 
Publication year
2016
Publication date
Apr 2016
Publisher
IOP Publishing
ISSN
17426588
e-ISSN
17426596
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2575103464
Copyright
© 2016. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.