Recent neutron scattering research and development in India
S L CHAPLOT
Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha
Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India
E-mail: chaplot@barc.gov.in
Abstract. A
national facility for neutron beam research is operated
at the research reactor Dhruva at Trombay in
activities involve various nanoscale structural, dynamical and
magnetic investigations on
materials of scientific interest and
technological importance. Thermal
neutron has certain special
properties that enable, e.g.,
selective viewing of parts of an
organic molecule, hydrogen or water
in materials, investigations on
minerals and ceramics, and
microscopic and mesoscopic
characterization of bulk samples.
The national facility comprises of
eight neutron-scattering
spectrometers in the reactor hall, and
another four spectrometers in the
neutron-guide laboratory. In
addition, a neutron radiography
facility and a detector development
laboratory are located at APSARA
reactor. All the instruments
including the detectors and
electronics have been developed within
BARC. A new powder diffractometer (PD-3) is being developed by
UGC-DAE-CSR. The national facility
is utilized in collaboration with various
universities and other
institutions.
Keywords. Neutron scattering;
national facility; structure; dynamics; magnetism.
PACS Nos 61.12.-q; 78.70.Nx