The new neutron depth profiling instrument N4DP at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment Vol. 911; pp. 30 - 36
• Main Authors: Werner, L., Trunk, M., Gernhäuser, R., Gilles, R., Märkisch, B., Révay, Zs
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 11-12-2018
• Subjects: Depth resolution; Neutron depth profiling; Neutron guides; Particle detectors; Neutron guides; Particle detectors; Neutron depth profiling; Depth resolution
• ISSN: 0168-9002; 1872-9576
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nima.2018.09.113

The cold neutron guide of the Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA) instrument (Revay et al. 2015) at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) provides an excellent opportunity for neutron depth profiling (NDP) due to its high collimated neutron flux. We present the concept, layout and first measurements with the new N4DP facility set-up at this beamline. A special focus is put on background analysis and instrument characterization. We present measurements of a NIST reference sample and of boron-containing float glasses which are used for neutron optical waveguides. We give an outlook concerning the ongoing development of position-resolved NDP using silicon microstrip detectors.