New FWF project on Neutron Optics

25.10.2022

We aim to develop novel nanodiamond diffraction gratings for neutron optics

Neutron optics and the neutron scattering and spectroscopy methods into which it has blossomed are key techniques for fundamental physics as well as for studies of condensed matter and material properties. In view of the number of existing neutron-research centers and the effort put into facilities in Europe alone (for instance, the construction of the European Spallation Source ESS in Lund, Sweden), further development of neutron-optical techniques in addition to well-established methods is necessary.

There is clear lack of versatile, compact and also low-cost alternatives to nowadays mostly bulky and expensive neutron optical components. To spark development of the latter, we intend to introduce grating-structures made of composites containing polymers and nanodiamonds (particles made from diamond, some nanometers of diameter), exhibiting optimized neutron-optical properties as efficient optical elements for slow neutrons.