V2

Cold Neutron 3-Axis Spectrometer (FLEXX)

Instrument description

The instrument name is derived from the flexibility of the spectrometer parameters which permit non-standard experiments and its use in the development of novel methods. The instrument was upgraded in 2011 and rechristened FLEXX. Its new position at the end of the NL1B guide allows a large coverage in wavevector transfer. The guide itself has been upgraded with m=3 neutron supermirrors to allow more neutrons to be transported from the source to the instrument. In addition, there is an elliptical guide which focuses neutrons onto a virtual source which is subsequently imaged on the monochromator. Finally, a velocity selector is used to select a wavelength band, and so obviate the need for a second order filter and associated loss of neutrons.

The flexibility of the instrument comes from the ability to choose the distances between the monochromator and sample, between the sample and analyzer and between the analyzer and detector in order to obtain an optimal scattering geometry at the required angular and energy resolutions. For the same purpose a tunable curved (double focussing) monochromator and (horizontally focussing) analyzer are used. With an optimally curved monochromator, the increase in flux at the sample position as compared to the old FLEX is a factor of 5 to 10, at the expense of Q-resolution while retaining the good energy resolution of a cold TAS.

Where possible the spectrometer was made of non-magnetic materials to allow for the use of polarized neutrons in the same set-up as for unpolarized neutrons. For the polarized beam option Helmholtz coils, Mezei flippers and a Heusler analyzer may be used, whilst an S-bender polarizer may be translated into the guide before the elliptical section to minimize neutron losses.

FLEXX provides the opportunity to combine triple axis spectroscopy and high resolution spin-echo spectroscopy. The neutron resonance spin echo method (NRSE) option at FLEXX is particularly suited for the phonon focussing technique with tilt spin echo fields. By this method the line widths of dispersive elementary excitations can be measured with an energy resolution in the μeV range.

From September 2016, users can submit proposals to use the new multianalyzer option: MultiFLEXX. It consist of a multiplexing back-end, offering a simultaneous measurement of 5 different final energies and 31 different 2θ channels. With a range of fixed vertically scattering analyzers, this optional secondary spectrometer provides the opportunity to do overview measurements with very little effort, using less than half an hour to mechanically switch between back ends.


Before applying for an experiment utilizing the high resolution NRSE option or MultiFLEXX, please contact an instrument responsible directly for a feasibility dialogue.

Applications

  • Low-energy phonon dispersion
  • Soft modes
  • Low-energy spin wave dispersion
  • Low-energy crystal field exitations
  • Quasielastic scattering

with MultiFLEXX

  • Parametric overview studies of low energy excitations as a function of temperature or field
  • Mapping of diffuse magnetic inelastic scattering

with NRSE

  • Line widths of low-energy dispersive excitations in non-magnetic
    and antiferromagnetic samples
  • Quasi-elastic linewidths
  • High-resolution elastic scattering (Larmor diffraction) with single
    crystal and powder samples

Inelastic scattering of MnF2, measured with MultiFLEXX, as a function of temperature.

Inelastic scattering of MnF2, measured with MultiFLEXX, as a function of temperature.


Instrument Data
Neutron guide NL 1B
Collimation Gd coated Soller collimators.
Before monochromator: 40', 60' available on a motorised translation table.
Before sample, analyzer and detector: 20', 40', 60', and radial collimator available
Monochromator Pyrolythic graphite (002) with variable vertical and horizontal curvature
Take off angle of monochromator 36° < 2ΘM < 136°
Wave length range 2 Å < λ < 6.2 Å
(in first order of monochromator)
Energy range 2 meV < EM < 19 meV
(ΔE range with Φ > 2·107 n/cm2s: 0 - 18 meV)
Energy resolution 0.05 to 0.5 meV (FWHM)
Range of scattering angles -130° < 2ΘS < 130°
(for most configurations)
Detector vertical 3He single detector
Analyzer Pyrolythic graphite (002) with variable horizontal curvature
Range of final energies 2.6 < Ef < 15 meV
Scattering angle at analyzer -120° < 2ΘA < 120°
Flux • 6·107 n/cm2s at 2.5 Å
• 3·107 n/cm2s at 4 Å
(with focused monochromator)
Filter Velocity selector and possibility of Be-filter if needed
Polarized neutrons yes
Polarizer Compact S-bender for the incoming beam and Heusler Analyzer
Instrument options • NRSE option (see specification below)
• MultiFLEXX (see specification below)
Sample environment Can accept all magnet cryostats and dilution sticks at HZB
Software TASMAD
mit NRSE
Neutron guide NL 1B
Collimation Gd coated Soller collimators.
Before monochromator: 40', 60' available on a motorised translation table.
Before sample, analyzer and detector: 20', 40', 60' available
Monochromator Pyrolythic graphite (002) with variable vertical and horizontal curvature
Take off angle of monochromator 67° < 2ΘM < 136°
Wave length range 2.5 Å < λ < 6.2 Å
Energy range 6 meV < EM < 19 meV
Energy resolution in the order of µeV
Range of scattering angles • inelastic mode: -110° < 2ΘS < 110° (with configurational restrictions)
• elastic (Larmor diffraction) mode: -110° < 2ΘS < 90° or 90° < 2ΘS < 110°
Detector vertical 3He single detector
Analyzer Heusler
Range of final energies
Scattering angle at analyzer -155° < 2ΘA < 155°
Flux 3·105 n/cm2s at 3.7 Å
Filter Velocity selector
Polarized neutrons yes
Polarizer compact S-bender
Instrument options • NRSE option (this specification)
Sample environment Orange cryostats and closed cycle refridgerators.
Software SEMAD
mit MultiFLEXX
Neutron guide NL 1B
Collimation Radial collimator (oscillating)
Monochromator Pyrolythic graphite (002) with variable vertical and horizontal curvature
Take off angle of monochromator 55° < 2ΘM < 117°
Wave length range 3.1 Å < λ < 5.7 Å
Energy range 2.5 meV < EM < 9 meV
Energy resolution
Range of scattering angles 20.5 < 2ΘS < 124.5°
Detector 155 horizontal 3He single detectors
Analyzer 155 Pyrolythic graphite (002) pieces set to give 5 fixed final neutron energies
Range of final energies Ef = 2.5; 3; 3.5; 4; 4.5 meV
Scattering angle at analyzer
Flux • 6·107 n/cm2s at 2.5 Å
• 3·107 n/cm2s at 4 Å
(with focused monochromator)
Filter Velocity Selector
Polarized neutrons No
Polarizer
Instrument options
Sample environment Can accept all magnet cryostats and dilution sticks at HZB
Software TASMAD