Time-of-flight polarized neutron reflectometry on PLATYPUS: status and future developments

Time-of-flight (ToF) polarized neutron reflectometry enables the detailed investigation of depth-resolved magnetic structures in thin film and multilayer magnetic systems. The general advantage of the time-of-flight mode of operation over monochromatic instruments is a decoupling of spectral shape and polarization of the neutron beam with variable resolution. Thus, a wide Q-range can be investigated using a single angle of incidence, with resolution and flux well-adjusted to the experimental requirement. Our paper reviews the current status of the polarization equipment of the ToF reflectometer PLATYPUS and presents first results obtained on stratified Ni80Fe20/α-Fe2O3 films, revealing the distribution of magnetic moments in an exchange bias system. An outlook on the future development of the PLATYPUS polarization system towards the implementation of a polarized 3He cell is presented and discussed with respect to the efficiency and high Q-coverage up to 1 Å−1 and 0.15 Å−1 in the vertical and lateral momentum transfer, respectively. © 2013, Elsevier Ltd.

Keywords

Polarization, Neutrons, Decoupling, Nickel, Iron, Magnetic moments

Citation

Saerbeck, T., Cortie, D. L., Brück, S., Bertinshaw, J., Holt, S. A., Nelson, A., James, M., Lee, W. T., & Klose, F. (2013). Time-of-flight polarized neutron reflectometry on PLATYPUS: Status and future developments. Physics Procedia, 42, 213-217. doi:10.1016/j.phpro.2013.03.198