Extreme Sample Environment for Neutron Measurements

Research on advanced materials is hampered by difficulty in accessing short-lived metastable states that play a crucial role in determining the material & apos;s ultimate structure, properties and performance. In combination with advanced sample environments, DOEs high flux neutron sources such as SNS provide an opportunity to revolutionize advanced materials research by helping to understand how materials function during processing. The capability is valuable in developing competitive new materials for high value applications. The proposed solution is to integrate a novel containerless sample environment and an event-based data acquisition system with a high flux neutron beam line. The project is developing a novel sample environment and event-based data processing that enable studies of materials under extreme conditions that relate to production of semiconductors, optical glasses, medical device materials and energy conversion materials. Showed the technical feasibility of the proposed approach, made measurements using a test instrument and established technical basis for Phase II R & amp;D. Measurements were made in the lab and at SNS and discussions were held with potential customers to define critical design parameters. Optimize instrument design and performance, construct test instrument, investigate and refine operation to meet customer requirements. Work will include design analyses, laboratory and beamline experiments, and collaborative research with potential customers. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The product of this R & amp;D will be a new instrument that will be marketed by direct interaction with customers. The proposed system has applications in neutron facilities such as SNS, HFIR, ILL, ISIS and other sources. Prior sales of extreme environment instruments has been several M$.