Neutron spectroscopy techniques

Abstract The theme of the book is development of various methods for shielding man and materials from the exposure to neutrons. Though related to it, this chapter deals with the interaction of neutrons with matter and the way in which these interactions manifest themselves as energy spectra and diffraction patterns. Neutron diffraction patterns and spectra are versatile tools, mainly in condensed matter physics, for identifying the structure and dynamics of matter. The physics of neutron scattering, followed by the commonly used neutron spectroscopic methods, namely, triple-axis spectroscopy, time-of-flight spectroscopy, backscattering spectroscopy, quasielastic neutron scattering spectroscopy, spin-echo spectroscopy, magnetic neutron spectroscopy, and vibrational spectroscopy are presented, with emphasis on qualitative concepts. Sufficient reference materials are provided with a view to target the readers who need a more rigorous approach. The chapter ends with a glimpse on neutron amorphography and neutron databases.