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Neutron Spectroscopy: Principles and Equipment

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Abstract

The physical and methodical principles of inelastic thermal-neutron scattering as applied for studying condensed matter have been briefly described. The basic information essential for understanding the experimental method is presented in a concise form, accessible for non-specialists. This information concerns the crystal and time-of-flight experimental techniques, the use of coherent and incoherent neutron scattering, the main approaches to the study of the atomic and magnetic dynamics of condensed matter, etc. The actual types of neutron sources and the ways to deliver neutron flux to sample are presented. The main principles of operating neutron spectrometers are briefly described. The available and promising equipment designed to create and change physical conditions on a sample (e.g., temperature, pressure, magnetic field) is also considered.

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Notes

  1. Energy is related to frequency through Planck’s constant and to temperature through the Boltzmann constant: E = hν = ħω = kBT. Although both parameters are obviously equivalent, lattice vibrations or phonons are discussed more often in terms of frequency, whereas energy is a more conventional term for other excitations (in particular, of electron nature). The approximate ratios of values for various energy units used in spectroscopy are as follows: 1 meV ≈ 0.242 THz ≈ 8 cm–1 ≈ 11.6 K.

  2. Spin incoherence at neutron interaction with a spin-carrying nucleus is of dual nature due to the possibility of both spin-flip and non-spin-flip neutron scattering from a nucleus at equiprobable orientation of nuclear spins in the sample. The isotopic incoherence is determined by processes of neutron non-spin-flip scattering from a nucleus. Coherent scattering also occurs without a change in the spin states of neutron and nucleus.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut Laue–Langevin, 38042, Grenoble, France

    A. S. Ivanov

  2. National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182, Moscow, Russia

    P. A. Alekseev

  3. National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI” (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), 115409, Moscow, Russia

    P. A. Alekseev

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Correspondence to P. A. Alekseev.

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Translated by Yu. Sin’kov

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Ivanov, A.S., Alekseev, P.A. Neutron Spectroscopy: Principles and Equipment. Crystallogr. Rep. 67, 18–35 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1063774522010072

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