Neutron Diffraction

The diffraction group is a group within the Laboratory for Neutron Scattering (LNS), Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), department Research with Neutrons and Muons (NUM).

The neutron diffraction group operates three instruments at the Swiss continuous spallation neutron source SINQ: The high resolution neutron powder diffractometer HRPT, covering 160° in 2Θ, the cold neutron powder diffractometer DMC, covering 80°, the neutron single crystal diffractometer TriCS and the crystal testing instrument Orion.

	DMC	cold neutron powder diffractometer	λ=2.3 - 6 Å , Δd/d ≥ .006, 400 channels (0.2°)
	HRPT	thermal powder diffractometer	λ=0.94 - 2.41 Å, Δd/d ≥ .0009, 1600 channels (0.1°)
	TriCS	thermal single crystal diffractometer	λ=1.18 Å, 2.32 Å , Δd/d ≥ .005, 4-circle open cradle and tilt-mode
	Orion	cold neutron test instrument	λ=2.215 Å , double-goniometer (+/- 12 deg) and closed 4-circle-cradle (fall 2010)

Beside the research of the diffraction group and the LNS research in condensed matter physics (click for latest reports), we support external users of our instruments in performing the experiments and in the first data treatment. Well prepared experiments together with the collaboration between outside and inside experts is very fruitful and yields excellent results. We are well supported by the LDM department concerning computing and sample environment and the condensed matter theory group (CMT) in the evaluation of our data.

A permanently updated publication list is available from the LNS web page.

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Power Point Presentation of the Diffraction Instruments (38 MB)
SINQ Presentation in Powerpoint (55MB)

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Instrument Projects

PANTHER: TriCS Upgrade, Design and Scientific Case.

Laue Auxilary on POLDI (PLC):
We are presently completing a LAUE usable as an auxilary (like a cryostat) on POLDI. The first tests on this beamline were encouraging, as the POLDI position offers a very very low background. The setup under design will include a small electronic 2D-camera, positionable in 2-theta and in height.
First goal: Alignement and test opportunity for crystals at ambient temperature using neutrons.

DMC: Replacement of detector electronics, nonmagnetic sample table

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We are partner in the 2-year Erasmus Mundus Program MaMaSELF
Next deadline for applicants with Swiss citizenship: January 26, 2012 (grants of 22'000 Euro per year are available for Swiss citizens). Students must have a bachelor with 180 ETCS points.

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Upcoming workshops and schools:
MaMaSELF-IV 2012, Rigi Kulm , May 7-10, 2012

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The diffraction group has no open position at the moment.

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Last revision : September 23, 2011