OrientExpress: A new system for Laue neutron diffraction

A new automatic Laue neutron diffractometer has been developed at the ILL. The system is composed of a goniometer with two tilt stages mounted on an omega-rotation and a scintillator/CCD neutron detector which is mounted on a 2 theta arm. All movements are computer controlled. The intensified neutron imaging system is unique and allows electronic capture of neutron Lane diffraction patterns in a much shorter time (few seconds) than conventional film-based methods. The detection system is based upon two high-performance image-intensified CCD cameras coupled to a large-area neutron scintillator. The system is also unique in permitting full back-reflection geometry. A gain of about 100 in efficiency is obtained compared to the conventional film method with comparable spatial resolution. Some examples for Laue patterns are presented and compared to those obtained by film. A quantitative analysis of the integrated intensity of the Laue spots is also made. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.