Discussing polarisation options
Our workshop on Polarised Neutron Scattering welcomed over 30 participants on 28-29 November 2007 at the Institute. There is a compelling case for polarised neutrons and polarisation analysis for inelastic neutron-scattering and neutron diffraction. Polarisation analysis of high-intensity specular and diffuse scattering for reflectometry and small-angle neutron scattering is also supported.
1. The majority of our needs can be met with polarised 3He gas technology, as implemented at the ILL or NIST. The particular 
choice between metastable exchange and spin-exchange optical pumping will depend on an assessment of relative cost, scheduling times and risk, by ANSTO.
2. There is also support for a focussing Heusler-alloy monochromator on Taipan.
3. While commercially available polarising supermirrors will continue to find a role at OPAL, it is not recommended that ANSTO invests in its own supermirror production.
However, ANSTO should make an effort to install 3He polarisers/analysers on five of our instruments rapidly, subject to providing staffing and making a technology choice between the two optical pumping methods. In parallel, a Heusler-alloy polarising monochromator should be procured for Taipan. A detailed report can be found under