Neutron focusing optic for submillimeter materials analysis

Abstract

A neutron lens constructed with polycapillary glass fibers is used to focus a 50×45 mm2 beam exiting a cold neutron guide onto a spot of 0.53 mm (full width at half maximum) with a current density gain of 80. The characteristics of the lens are presented. This lens is designed to enhance the detection limit and lateral resolution for prompt gamma activation analysis using cold neutron beams.