Monte Carlo simulations for instrumentation at SINQ

Abstract

The Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) operates a spallation source SINQ equipped with 11 different neutron scattering instruments. Beside the optimization of the existing instruments, the extension with new instruments and devices are continuously done at PSI. For design and performance studies different Monte Carlo packages are used. Presently two major projects are in an advanced stage of planning. These are the new thermal neutron triple-axis spectrometer Enhanced Intensity and Greater Energy Range (EIGER) and the ultra-cold neutron source (UCN-PSI). The EIGER instrument design is focused on an optimal signal-to-background ratio. A very important design part was to realize a monochromator shielding which covers best shielding characteristic, low background production and high instrument functionality. The Monte Carlo package MCNPX was used to find the best choice. Due to the sharp energy distribution of ultra-cold neutrons (UCN) which can be Doppler-shifted towards cold neutron energies, a UCN phase space transformation (PST) device could produce highly monochromatic cold and very cold neutrons (VCN). The UCN-PST instrumentation project running at PSI is very timely since a new-generation superthermal spallation source of UCN is under construction at PSI with a UCN density of 3000–4000 n cm −3. Detailed numerical simulations have been carried out to optimize the UCN density and flux. Recent results on numerical simulations of an UCN-PST-based source of highly monochromatic cold neutrons and VCN are presented.