Development of Reference Layer Method in Resonant Neutron Reflectometry

Abstract

A new method of phase recovery in neutron reflectometry is proposed based on the use of the Gd reference layer deposited on the top of an “unknown” layered structure. The idea of the method is to apply the energy dependence of neutron scattering length density to change the reference layer properties. Using three reflectivity curves at different neutron energies, the modulus and phase of the coefficient of reflection from the “unknown” structure can be reconstructed. We discuss the mathematics of phase recovery and present the first experimental results for a multilayered system.