Neutron Scattering Cross-Section Correction Incorporating Neutron Wavelength Effects

TL;DR

This paper presents a numerical method to correct neutron scattering cross-sections by accounting for neutron wavelength effects, improving the accuracy of material analysis in neutron scattering experiments.

Contribution

The study introduces a wavelength-based correction scheme using central moment expansion that does not require prior knowledge of the distribution's functional form.

Findings

Eliminates the need for distribution functional form knowledge.

Enables distortion-free reconstruction of scattering data.

Improves interpretation of material structures.

Abstract

This study outlines a numerical methodology aimed at rectifying the neutron scattering cross-sections of fundamental elements across a range of low neutron energies typically employed in general neutron scattering experiments. By using the experimental power law relationship governing the cross-section's dependence on neutron wavelength, we establish a mathematical connection between these two variables. Leveraging this relationship, the scheme of central moment expansion is adopted to correct the cross-sections that are applicable to general neutron wavelength distributions commonly encountered in experimental scenarios. Importantly, our proposed method eliminates the requirement for knowledge about the functional form of the distribution. Consequently, this approach offers the capability to reconstruct neutron scattering data without introducing distortions stemming from the energy-dependent cross-sections of different types of elements within materials during experimental measurements. Ultimately, this advancement facilitates a more precise interpretation and analysis of material structures based on their scattering signatures.