Scalable Neutron Imaging Systems at Compact Sources

Abstract

Neutron imaging offers unique capabilities not limited to the structural characterisation of materials, components and processes at a large variety of neutron sources and thus is highly qualified to be a prime candidate for instrumentation at compact neutron sources. The peculiar characteristics of neutrons, and in particular the cross sections for their interaction with matter enable imaging results that are directly comparable but, most notably, are effectively complementary to those of wide spread X-ray imaging characterisation. Here, it is highlighted how neutron imaging can significantly add to the value and the versatility of basically all and especially future compact neutron sources. Diverse advantages are identified at all possible sizes and levels of sophistication of compact sources. These areas range from source characterisation and students training to state of the art neutron imaging in 3D to applications and method development, which are possible at compact sources and some of which can take particular advantage of advanced source characteristics such as e.g. several target stations at a single accelerator.