EPFL and PSI Design Next-Generation Neutron Spectrometer

F. Groitl et al., Review of Scientific Instruments 87, 035109 (2016). Following extensive optimization and prototyping the CAMEA project, a joint venture between LNS (PSI) and the Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism (EPFL), enters its next stage.

The design is finalized, procurement has started and assembly at the current cold triple-axis spectrometer RITA-2 will start in 2017. The innovative multiplexing design employs a series of upward-scattering arcs of analyzer crystals combined with an array of position sensitive 3He detectors. The chosen configuration allows for a continuous final energy coverage from 3.2 to 5.1 meV and a quasi-continuous angular coverage of 60° resulting in tremendous gains in data collection rates. In a single data acquisition several constant-energy lines (~3000 data points) in the horizontal scattering plane are recorded and a simple sample rotation scan generates several constant-energy maps. The instrument is optimized for in-plane scattering and particularly suited for parametric studies under extreme conditions. The project is financed by the R’Equip program of the Swiss National Science Foundation, EPF Lausanne and PSI.