PERFECT CRYSTAL NEUTRON OPTICS
P E C N O
CONTRACT: ERB-FMRX-CT96-0057
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Perfect Crystal Neutron Interferometer
The step from geometrical optics to quantum optics can now be made, where
the neutron as a measuring particle should be treated as a quantum object
rather than a classical particle.
Perfect crystals are essential components for advanced neutron optics,
a field where much of the pioneering work has originated in European laboratories.
The perfect arrangement of atoms in single crystals (mainly silicon) transfers
its coherence property to the neutron beam which opens up new possibilities
for advanced beam tailoring and for neutron quantum optical investigations.
Perfect crystal small-angle scattering cameras enlarge the accessible momentum
transfer range to very small Q-values. Channel-cut, gradient, lamellar,
curved and vibrating crystals will be tested to achieve enlargements of
the reflection widths and increase of the measurement signal. Neutron optics
usually requires rather large crystals and quite often multiple crystal
systems with hundreds or thousands of perfect crystals. Perfect crystal
neutron interferometry has been used to test fundamental laws of physics.
Now, applications in condensed matter research and neutron phase topography
(an extremely sensitive, nondestructive material testing method for material
research) are anticipated. Perfect crystal neutron storage and resonator
systems provide the basis for the study and development of advanced neutron
optical components. The experience of the different groups of this network
in the field of perfect crystal neutron optics will combine to attain a
qualitatively higher level in neutron instrumentation and research.
PARTNERSHIP
The network consists of a cooperation between universities, national and
international organizations and includes an industrial partner. It connects
fundamental quantum physics, applied research and the development of new
single crystals which are not only useful for neutron physics but also
have potential commercial applications. The collaboration will form a bridge
between theoretical and experimental aspects of scientific work as one
of the most important features of this network. Topics where developments
are anticipated are listed below.
(a) Perfect crystal small-angle scattering cameras
(b) Gradient and multiple crystals
(c) Neutron interferometry
(d) Perfect crystal storage (resonator) system
(e) Vibrating crystals
(f) Bragg focusing and wave propagation in crystals
(g) Quantum physics consequences
(h) Crystal characterization, fabrication and testing
(i) Phase space manipulation
(j) Standing neutron waves
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
A central part of the network is the involvement of WACKER SILTRONIC in
Burghausen (DE) which is the largest silicon crystal producing enterprise
in Europe. This collaboration will be very important for the further development
of large perfect single crystals, gradient single crystals and multiple
single crystals. Such products will be of use in other fields of research
too, especially for X- (synchrotron) ray optics and radiation detector
development. It should be emphasized that progress in the handling of the
individual neutron beams is equivalent to an increase of source power.
The present project seeks to optimize the utilization of existing neutrons
sources and to prepare the ground for a full exploitation of more intense
sources in Europe.
TRAINING ASPECTS
The whole programme strongly relates to the exchange of mainly young researchers.
This is intrinsicly necessary because many experiments can be performed
at large neutron sources only (ILL, ISIS, HMI, SINQ) whereas preparatory
work can be done more effectively at dedicated laboratories. The cooperation
between theory and experimental groups is another reason for mobility.
About half the work load of the network will be taken by graduate students
and by postdoctoral researchers. Two workshops per year will be organized
where young researchers can present their work to all members of the team.
The use of central facilities will give the participants experience of
the most recent technological advances in cyrogenics, computing and electronics
where they will interact not only with scientists but also with engineers
and technical staff.
Contract reference
ERB FMRX-CT96-0057
Coordinator
Prof. Dr. Helmut RAUCH
Atominstitut der Österreichischen Universitäten
Stadionallee 2
A-1020 Wien
Austria
Tel.: (+43 1) 58801-14100
Fax: (+43 1) 58801-14199
E-Mail: rauch@ati.ac,at
The Participants
1. Atominstitut der Österreichischen Universitäten, ATI, Wien(AT)
G. Badurek, H. Rauch, E. Seidl, M. Zawisky
2. Institut Laue Langevin, ILL, Grenoble (FR)
J. Kulda, A. Magerl, C. M. Zeyen
3. Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, KFA (DE)
A. Alefeld, D. Schwahn
4. Paul Scherrer Institut, PSI, Villigen (CH)
P. Böni, A. Furrer
5. Universita di Bari (IT)
S. Pascazio
6. Hahn-Meitner Institut, HMI (DE)
A. Ioffe, F. Mezei, W. Treimer
7. Universität Dortmund (DE)
U. Bonse
8. Universität Innsbruck (AT)
H. Weinfurter, A. Zeilinger
9. Wacker Siltronic AG, Burghausen (DE)
W. Zulehner
10. Central Laboratory for the Research Councils, ISIS, Chilton (UK)
C.J. Carlile
11. Nuclear Physics Institute of the Academy of Sciences ot the Czech Republic,
NPI, Rez (CZ)
P. Lukas, P. Mikula, J. Saroun, M. Vrana
12. Palacky University Olomouc (CZ)
Z. Hradil, J. Perina
13. Research Institute for Solid State Physics of the Hungarian Academy of
Sciences, RISSP, Budapest (HU)
L. Cser, L. Rosta
Start Date January 1997
Duration 36 Months
Total TMR support 1.595.000 ECU
This page has been created by H. Diem & E. Jericha
Last changes made by E. Jericha (05.02.1999)
References and suggestions to
diem@ati.ac.at
,
jericha@ati.ac.at