Measurements of the neutron absorption in supermirror coatings

TL;DR

This paper reports experimental measurements of neutron absorption in supermirror coatings, validating recent computational models and aiding the design of neutron instrument shielding.

Contribution

First experimental validation of neutron absorption in supermirror coatings using gamma-ray detection, supporting improved Monte-Carlo shielding simulations.

Findings

Measured neutron absorption rates in supermirror coatings.

Validated computational models for neutron absorption.

Provided data for shielding design in neutron instruments.

Abstract

In this work we report on measurements of neutron absorption in supermirror coatings. The measurements were carried out using the SuperADAM instrument at the Institut Laue-Langevin and by measuring the gamma-ray production from m = 3 and m = 4 neutron supermirrors when illuminated by a beam of neutrons. The results provide a valuable validation for recent computational and theoretical work that can be used as input to Monte-Carlo radiation transport calculations for the design of the shielding of neutron scattering instruments.