NEUTRON FOCUSING USING CAPILLARY OPTICS

Using the principle of multiple mirror reflection from smooth surfaces at small grazing angles, polycapillary fibers of narrow inner channels (diameter of a few micrometers) have been used to transport and bend slow neutron beams. Neutrons in the cold and thermal range have been focused to a small spot to produce significant gains (approximately x 10) in intensity. We report studies of neutron transmission properties of individual capillaries, using cold and thermal neutrons at the CNRF (Cold Neutron Research Facility) of the NBSR (the 20 MW research reactor at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA). Several aspects of these properties are investigated, namely, the transmission as a function of bending curvature, of length of the fibers, and of composition of fiber materials. From these studies we obtain information on the critical angle of reflection, the reflectivity, and the roughness of the inner surface. We also report the characterization of the first prototype neutron lens constructed at the Kurchatov Institute in Moscow and show that a focal point of 1 mm has been achieved. Finally we discuss the design of a lens suitable for neutron absorption experiments at the end of a neutron guide.