Monte-Carlo ray-tracing studies of multiplexed prismatic graphite analyzers for the MANTA implementation at the High Flux Isotope Reactor

Condensed matter physics was revolutionized when the Nobel prize-winning triple-axis spectrometer was invented in 1956. The latest development in triple-axis spectrometry is the use of a multiplexing analyzer system, seen at other laboratories such as the Swiss Neutron Source's instrument CAMEA [2]. Oak Ridge National Laboratory aims to utilize this technology to create the latest development in triple-axis spectrometry known as the Multi-Analyzer Neutron Triple Axis (MANTA) to be installed at the High Flux Isotope Reactor. While studying MANTA's performance using the Monte-Carlo ray-tracing program McStas, we developed the Positionally-Calibrated Prismatic Analysis (PCPA) technique, which makes full use of the prismatic concept [3] by accounting for statistical variations in neutron energy per pixel along a position-sensitive detector. Now we are looking at potential modifications of the CAMEA design that are optimized to the PCPA technique. Through this approach, MANTA aims to become a top-of-the-line instrument in neutron spectroscopy. [1] A. Desai, T. J. Williams, A. Aczel, G. Sala, G. E. Granroth, M. Mourigal, "Monte-Carlo ray-tracing studies of multiplexed prismatic graphite analyzers for the MANTA implementation at the High Flux Isotope Reactor" (In preparation) [2] F. Groitl, D. Graf, J. O. Birk, M. Markó, M. Bartkowiak, U. Filges, C. Niedermayer, C. Rüegg, H. M. Rønnow "CAMEA – a Novel Multiplexing Analyzer for Neutron Spectroscopy" Review of Scientific Instruments (2016) [3] J. O. Birk, M. Markó, P. G. Freeman, J. Jacobsen, R. L. Hansen, N. B. Christensen, C. Niedermayer, M. Månsson, H. M. Rønnow, and K. Lefmann, "Prismatic analyser concept for neutron spectrometers," Review of Scientific Instruments