Resonant enhancement of grazing incidence neutron scattering for the characterization of thin films

We use signal enhancement in a quantum resonator for the characterization of a thin layer of vanadium hydride using neutron reflectometry and demonstrate that pressure-concentration isotherms and expansion coefficients can be extracted from the measurement of totally externally reflected neutrons only. Moreover, a consistent data analysis of the attenuation cross section allows us to detect and quantify off-specular and small angle scattering. As our experiments are effective direct beam measurements, combined with resonant signal enhancement, counting times become considerably reduced. This allows us to overcome the challenges resulting from the comparatively low brilliance of neutron beams for grazing incidence scattering experiments. Further, we discuss the potential of resonant enhancement to increase any scattering, which is of particular interest for grazing incidence small angle neutron scattering and spectroscopy.

Automated summary

Signal enhancement in a quantum resonator is used to characterize a thin layer of vanadium hydride using neutron reflectometry. Pressure-concentration isotherms and expansion coefficients can be extracted from totally externally reflected neutrons, and off-specular and small angle scattering can be detected and quantified through consistent data analysis of the attenuation cross section. The experiments are effective direct beam measurements, combined with resonant signal enhancement, resulting in reduced counting times and overcoming challenges related to the low brilliance of neutron beams for grazing incidence scattering experiments. Resonant enhancement shows potential to increase any scattering, particularly for grazing incidence small angle neutron scattering and spectroscopy.