Analytical calculations and Monte-Carlo simulations of a high-resolution backscattering spectrometer for the long wavelength target station at the Spallation neutron source

Abstract

Using the Monte-Carlo simulation programs McStas and VITESS, we present the design principles of the proposed high-resolution inverse geometry spectrometer on the Spallation neutron source (SNS)—long wavelength target station (LWTS). LWTS will enable the combination of large energy and momentum transfer ranges with energy resolution. Indeed the resolution of this spectrometer lie between that routinely achieved by spin echo techniques and the design goal of the high-power target station (HPTS) backscattering spectrometer. This niche of energy resolution is interesting for the study of slow motions of large objects and we are led to the domain of large molecules—polymers and biological molecules.