The use of the spindependent scattering length: new areas and improved techniques for neutron-scattering

This paper describes the use of the spindependent part of the nuclear scattering length, ( b + – b − ), in neutron diffraction experiments with polarized nuclei. It is shown, that such experiments are feasible by using the "brute force" technique to polarize the nuclei. Neutron scattering from polarized nuclei is obviously of great interest in the following two fields: the study of nuclear magnetism and the use of contrast variation in structure determination. Experimental results from these fields will demonstrate the potential of such studies: in the field of nuclear magnetism we will discuss the determination of the magnetic structure of the nuclear moments in Cu, the determination of nuclear temperatures in HoVO 4 and Cu, nuclear spin-lattice relaxation in Cu and the onset of ordering of the nuclear spins in HoVO 4 . Studies on CoPt-alloys demonstrate, that contrast variation by means of nuclear polarization is a very promising way to improve structural investigations.