Continuously operating compact 3He-based neutron spin filter

  • G. L. Jones
  • , J. Baker
  • , W. C. Chen
  • , B. Collett
  • , J. A. Cowan
  • , M. F. Dias
  • , T. R. Gentile
  • , C. Hoffmann
  • , T. Koetzle
  • , W. T. Lee
  • , K. Littrell
  • , M. Miller
  • , A. Schultz
  • , W. M. Snow
  • , X. Tong
  • , H. Yan
  • , A. Yue

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Polarized 3He can be used as a spin filter to polarize a broad energy spectrum of neutrons. As a prototype for use on the single-crystal diffractometer (SCD) at the spallation neutron source (SNS), we have built a compact system to continuously polarize a 3He spin filter by spin-exchange optical pumping. Polarizing in the neutron beam provides a constant neutron polarization and reduces the sensitivity to relaxation mechanisms. The capability to operate in the presence of non-optimal magnetic field homogeneity allowed us to employ a highly compact solenoid only 9.5 cm in diameter and 20 cm long. Using only 7 W of laser light we maintained 44% 3He polarization in an 11cm3 cell, despite an overall cell relaxation time of ≈10h. Results from a test on the SCD at IPNS are discussed. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)86-90
Number of pages5
JournalPhysica B: Physics of Condensed Matter
Volume356
Issue number1-4 SPEC. ISS.
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 15 2005
Externally publishedYes

Funding

This work was supported in part by the Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences, under Contract No. W-31-109-ENG-38 and DE-FG02-03ER46093.

Keywords

  • Diffraction
  • Helium
  • Neutron
  • Optical pumping
  • Polarization
  • Spin filter

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Continuously operating compact 3He-based neutron spin filter'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this