Neutron scattering instrumentation at reactor based installations

During the past decade neutron scattering techniques have been applied to an increasingly wide range of scientific problems. Concurrently, a number of substantial improvements of neutron scattering instrumentation have occurred to stimulate this trend. In this article several such developments which have occurred at reactor-based installations are described. Individual spectrometer components which are discussed in some detail include: neutron-optical devices such as guide tubes, supermirrors and multilayer systems; neutron monochromators with optimum reflectivity, mosaic and focusing characteristics; position-sensitive detectors of several types; and equipment required for neutron polarization analysis. Several novel spectrometers which have enhanced the role of neutron scattering during the past ten years are also described. These include spectrometers for small-angle scattering, backscattering, and neutron spin echo. An extensive bibliography is included which covers both early and more recent developments.