Silicon Microchannel Neutron Lens

78343S The Department of Energy supports a number of large-scale, national user facilities (such as the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory) that generate intense beams of neutrons for the characterization of materials. Despite advances in neutron sources and instrumentation, many neutron scattering experiments remain flux limited, and, therefore, a long time is needed to collect data on neutron scattering. Improved focusing optics would enhance the neutron flux density in samples, significantly reducing data collection time. This project will develop an innovative compound silicon microchannel neutron lens with a geometrically perfect microchannel structure. The proposed microchannel "lobster eye" lens will focus neutrons far more efficiently than conventional lobster eye lenses because of the specially designed lens shape, and will focus neutron flux into a spot of approximately 0.02 mm. Phase I will optimize the lens design, fabricate a small-scale lens prototype, and conduct a proof-of-concept performance demonstration by focusing hard X-rays. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Besides the applications in the unique instrumentation in National Laboratories, the proposed lens should find use in the next generation of neutron microscopes, currently being developed. Such microscopes, with spatial resolution far beyond the limits of visible light microscopy, are urgently needed for submicron photolithography and for biomedical research on cell structures.