Ultrathin aluminum sample cans for single crystal inelastic neutron scattering

M. B. Stone, M. J. Loguillo, D. L. Abernathy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Single crystal inelastic neutron scattering measurements are often performed using a sample environment for controlling sample temperature. One difficulty associated with this is establishing appropriate thermal coupling from the sample to the temperature controlled portion of the sample environment. This is usually accomplished via a sample can which thermally couples the sample environment to the sample can and the sample can to the sample via an exchange gas. Unfortunately, this can will contribute additional background signal to ones measurement. We present here the design of an ultrathin aluminum sample can based upon established technology for producing aluminum beverage cans. This design minimizes parasitic sample can scattering. Neutron scattering measurements comparing a machined sample can to our beverage can design clearly indicate a large reduction in scattering intensity and texture when using the ultrathin sample can design. We also examine the possibility of using standard commercial beverage cans as sample cans.

Original languageEnglish
Article number055117
JournalReview of Scientific Instruments
Volume82
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2011

Funding

The authors would like to thank John Brock and Dwayne Griffith of the machine shop at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); K. Herwig for suggestions concerning adhesives; Alan Fredrick and Roger Miller at the ORNL Materials Joining Lab; and the Custom Can sales department of the Ball Corporation of America. This Research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Spallation Neutron Source was sponsored by the Scientific User Facilities Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, (U. S.) Department of Energy (DOE).

FundersFunder number
Scientific User Facilities Division
U.S. Department of Energy
Basic Energy Sciences
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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