Introduction to Pulsed Neutron Scattering

Pulsed spallation neutron sources first came online in the 1980s. This was a new technology and methodology, and it took time to prove its usefulness. Today, pulsed neutron sources are replacing traditional reactor sources across the world. These include ISIS in UK since 1984, SNS in USA since 2006, J-PARC/MLF in Japan since 2008, CSNS in China since 2018, and ESS, which is now under construction in Sweden. The population of pulsed neutron scattering scientists will rapidly increase over the next decade.

The time-of-flight method is commonly used at pulsed sources. It can effectively utilize the polychromatic beam by analysing the time of travel of neutrons, following their production by the impact of a pulse on the neutron target. Accelerator, source, and instruments are coupled together in sequence, and the experimental performance arises from the combination of these components. Different design parameters of the system change the character of an instrument and its experimental performance. Thus, basic knowledge of those components can often help experimental planning, arrangements, and analysis, which can be complex.

Introduction to Pulsed Neutron Scattering offers an accessible and comprehensive overview of the pulsed neutron scattering technique and its associated technology. This is a textbook for students and young scientists who are interested in pulsed neutron scattering. The book covers basic scattering theory, neutron creation, accelerator basics, instrument concepts, and device technologies. Readers can grasp the entire landscape of pulsed neutron science and technology. Concepts are discussed using plain theoretical expressions, so that the reader can understand the analytical background and can confirm theories using their own calculations. The book uses CGS units and A, which are commonly used in the community and are practically useful.