Monte carlo simulations of the TOSCA spectrometer: Assessment of current performance and future upgrades

Abstract

We describe and assess the performance of a detailed computational description of the high-resolution TOSCA spectrometer at ISIS using neutron-transport Monte Carlo simulations. Extensive calculations using the McStas software package have been performed using the present instrument geometry and compared with available experimental data. The agreement between expected and measured performance is satisfactory in terms of the incident flux spectrum, associated time structure, and spectroscopic resolution. Encouraged by these results, we also consider the upgrade of the primary spectrometer with a tapered high-m guide. This instrument development offers the exciting prospects of providing order-of-magnitude gains in detected neutron flux over the energy-transfer range of the instrument whilst preserving its outstanding spectroscopic capabilities.