Research: Neutron Optics

Research and Development: Neutron Optics

Neutron Optics

Neutrons interact weakly with matter, and since they have no charge , they are unaffected by electric fields. Hence focusing or directing neutrons is extremely challenging. Based on years of experience with x-ray optics, including compound refractive lenses, Adelphi has designed, built and tested several novel neutron optics. Compound refractive neutron optics take advantage of coherent scattering in optimized materials to focus neutron beams or to separate neutrons within a beam by there energy, essentially making a neutron spectrometer. We have also developed magnetic neutron optics, which take advantage of the spin of neutrons to control their path.

We have successfully used these optics to image materials including biological samples, industrial parts and articles in nuclear reactor cores during operation.