Platypus

Platypus (reflectometer)

After the reactor restarted the first important task was to perform a thorough radiation survey, checking that things were ok to begin hot commissioning.

At the moment, we are performing the usual calibrations for a reflectometer, viz. aligning the slit systems, checking disc chopper operation, etc. During this phase we have been able to measure a couple of preliminary reflectivity curves.

The curve below is a measurement from the silicon-air interface (collected at the lowest angular setting). Bear in mind that the instrument is just starting the calibration phase, so things aren't perfect (the instrument was not completely characterised and no background has been subtracted).