Physics & Astronomy ETDs

Publication Date

5-30-1966

Abstract

The problems of the intensity and resolution of a neutron diffractometer are considered, both for elastic and inelastic scattering studies. The considerations are applied to the choice of parameters for a new diffractometer. First to be taken up is the manner in which the intensity of a diffraction monochromating system varies with its collimators, which affects both kinds of studies. A model is chosen and used to derive an expression tor the intensity. The expression is checked experimentally and found not be be valid over the range of collimators available. However, over a smaller range, such as those collimators which would be considered for a practical experiment, the expression is found to be reliable. Expressions which have been published for the intensity and widths of powder diffraction peaks are checked experimentally, and found to give good agreement. These expressions are used to choose the optimum available parameters for powder diffraction studies. Data taken using these parameters are compared to data taken with a diffractometer which had previously been used to collect meaningful data, but to which the optimizing considerations had not been applied. The results indicate that the optimizing procedure was worthwhile. Finally, methods for focussing beams in experiments of inelastic scattering are reviewed. A technique for the use of one method is described, and data collected with the technique show that the method is of value.

Degree Name

Physics

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Physics & Astronomy

First Committee Member (Chair)

Christopher Pratt Leavitt

Second Committee Member

John L. Yarnell

Third Committee Member

David Solomon King

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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