Design and performance characterization of the time-of-flight liquid neutron reflectometer at the China spallation neutron source

The full design of a liquid neutron reflectometer for China spallation neutron source is reported. The horizontal sample geometry enables studies on both solid and liquid samples. A neutron beam with a wavelength range from 1 to 10 angstrom and neutron flux intensity of 4 x 10(7) n/cm(2)/s was optimized for the classical specular reflection. A multi-blade detector with high detection efficiency and a high neutron counting rate was used to ensure the performance of neutron detection. Data acquisition and reduction routines were demonstrated to confirm the reliability of the measurements. The design and algorithms developed in this study pave the way for the future construction of liquid reflectometry for high-performance neutron scattering measurements.

Automated summary

The report presents the complete design of a liquid neutron reflectometer for China's spallation neutron source. The horizontal sample geometry allows for the study of both solid and liquid samples. The neutron beam, optimized for classical specular reflection, has a wavelength range of 1 to 10 angstroms and a neutron flux intensity of 4 x 10(7) n/cm(2)/s. A multi-blade detector with high efficiency and counting rate is used for neutron detection, while the reliability of the measurements is confirmed through demonstrated data acquisition and reduction routines. The design and algorithms developed in this study pave the way for the future construction of liquid reflectometry for high-performance neutron scattering measurements.