Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “small angle neutron scattering”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Mesoporous Silica Formation Mechanisms Probed Using Combined Spin–Echo Modulated Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SEMSANS) and Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS)

In this work, the initial formation stages of surfactant-templated silica thin films which grow at the air–water interface were studied using combined spin–echo modulated small-angle neutron scattering (SEMSANS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The films are formed from either a cationic surfactant or nonionic surfactant (C 16 EO 8 ) in a dilute acidic solution by the addition of tetramethoxysilane. Previous work has suggested a two stage formation mechanism with mesostructured particle formation in the bulk solution driving film formation at the solution surface. From the SEMSANS data, it is possible to pinpoint accurately the time associated with the formation of large particles in solution that go on to form the film and to show their emergence is concomitant with the appearance of Bragg peaks in the SANS pattern, associated with the two-dimensional hexagonal order. The combination of SANS and SEMSANS allows a complete depiction of the steps of the synthesis that occur in the subphase.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

An algebraic convolution formulation for multiple-scattering correction in small-angle neutron scattering

Multiple scattering in small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) redistributes spectral weight and distorts structural interpretation, particularly for thick or strongly scattering samples. We develop a finite-dimensional spectral desmearing framework that corrects multiple scattering without resorting to integral transforms or model-dependent extrapolation. The primary intensity is expanded in an orthonormal basis adapted to the isotropic transverse-momentum measure, under which convolution reduces to a recursive tensor contraction, allowing the Poisson-weighted multiple-scattering series to be evaluated directly in a finite-dimensional basis representation. This formulation yields a stable forward–inverse mapping between apparent and primary spectra. Numerical tests demonstrate convergence under repeated convolution and accurate recovery of the single-scattering intensity. Application to SANS measurements collected at multiple neutron facilities, including the Spallation Neutron Source, the High Flux Isotope Reactor, and the Institut Laue-Langevin, shows the quantitative reconstruction of the underlying primary spectrum across a wide range of transmission conditions, including strongly attenuating samples. Here, the method provides a stable, model-agnostic framework for multiple-scattering correction in SANS and enables consistent structural interpretation across instruments and scattering regimes.

Tung, Chi-Huan [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unlocking hidden information in sparse small-angle neutron scattering measurements

Hypothesis Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) is a powerful technique for studying soft matter systems such as colloids, polymers, and lyotropic phases, providing nanoscale structural insights. However, its effectiveness is limited by low neutron flux, leading to long acquisition times and noisy data. Here, we hypothesize that Bayesian statistical inference using Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) can reconstruct high-fidelity scattering data from sparse measurements by leveraging intensity smoothness and continuity. Experiments and Simulations The method was benchmarked computationally and validated through SANS experiments on various soft matter systems, including wormlike micelles, colloidal suspensions, polymeric structures, and lyotropic phases. GPR-based inference was applied to both experimental and synthetic data to evaluate its effectiveness in noise reduction and intensity reconstruction. Findings GPR significantly enhances SANS data quality and therefore reducing measurement times by up to two orders of magnitude. This cost-effective approach maximizes experimental efficiency, enabling high-throughput studies and real-time monitoring of dynamic systems. It is particularly beneficial for weakly scattering and time-sensitive studies. Beyond SANS, this framework applies to other low-SNR techniques, including laboratory-based small-angle X-ray scattering and various dynamical scattering methods. Furthermore, it offers transformative potential for compact neutron sources, enhancing their viability for structural analysis in resource-limited settings.

Small angle neutron scattering↗
DOE OSTI2024

A science-driven approach to optimize the design for a biological small-angle neutron scattering instrument

Biological small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) instruments facilitate critical analysis of the structure and dynamics of complex biological systems. However, with the growth of experimental demands and the advances in optical systems design, a new neutron optical concept is necessary to overcome the limitations of current instruments. This work presents an approach to include experimental objectives ( i.e. the science to be supported by a specific neutron scattering instrument) in the optimization of the neutron optical concept. The approach for a proposed SANS instrument at the Second Target Station of the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA, is presented here. Further, the instrument is simulated with the McStas software package. The optimization process is driven by an evolutionary algorithm using McStas output data, which are processed to calculate an objective function designed to quantify the expected performance of the simulated neutron optical configuration for the intended purpose. Each McStas simulation covers the complete instrument, from source to detector, including realistic sample scattering functions. This approach effectively navigates a high-dimensional parameter space that is otherwise intractable; it allows the design of next-generation SANS instruments to address specific scientific cases and has the potential to increase instrument performance compared with traditional design approaches.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2026

Feasibility of Correlation-Aware Inference and Universal Precision Scaling in Bonse–Hart Ultra-Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

Bonse–Hart ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS) provides access to micrometre-scale structure, but useful measurements often require long counting times. In this work, we test whether the expected smoothness of the scattering profile can be exploited to improve data quality at lower counting statistics. We apply a Gaussian-process-based method to Bonse–Hart USANS data and evaluate its performance on pseudo-measurements generated from high-statistics experiments under Poisson statistics. This provides a stringent test of how well the underlying I(Q) profile can be reconstructed when the available counts are substantially reduced. We further show that, in the counting-limited regime, the reconstruction error follows a universal scaling behaviour that differs from the usual independent-counting expectation. At higher counts, the improvement crosses over to a resolution-limited regime set by analyser-angle discretization and rocking-curve width. These results clarify when correlation-aware inference is useful in USANS and provide a practical basis for improving measurement efficiency and beam-time usage.

Tung, Chi-Huan [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000221972074)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Data Reproducibility of Spin-Echo Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Instruments

Spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering (SESANS) is a unique method to measure structures of materials in real space with length scales from ∼ 30 μm to ∼20 µm. As shown in Figure 1, the accessible length scale of SESANS is given by its ability to encode the momentum transfer into the Larmor phase, namely Φ = $\vec{𝛿}$ ⋅ $\vec{𝑄}$, where $\vec{𝑄}$ is the momentum transfer and $\vec{𝛿}$ is the encoding vector of the setup and its projection along Q (δQ) is called spin-echo length (SEL). The spin echo length, which is synonymous with the spatial correlation distance probed, is defined as the following 𝛿𝑄 ∝ 𝜆 2 𝐵𝐿cot𝜃 where 𝜆 is neutron wavelength, B is magnetic field, L is length of the parallelogram magnetic field region, and 𝜃 is the angle between the inclined magnetic field boundary and the beam direction, as shown in Figure 1. The result of the SESANS experiment is a Hankel transformation of the SANS scattering function I(Q), which yields the correlation function of the sample in real space.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Particle dynamics of nanoplastics suspended in water with soil microparticles: insights from small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and ultra-SANS

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and ultra-SANS (USANS) were employed to understand the aggregation behavior and observe the size reduction for nanoplastics (NPs) formed from a biodegradable mulch film, and microparticles of vermiculite (V), an artificial soil, suspended in water in the presence of low convective shear (ex situ stirring) prior to measurements. Neutron contrast matching was employed to minimize the signal of V (by 100-fold) and thereby isolate the signal due to NPs in the neutron beam, as the contrast match point (CMP) for V (67 vol% deuteration of water) differed from that of NPs by more than 20%. The original NPs' size distribution was bimodal: <200 nm and 500–1200 nm, referred to as small and large NPs, i.e., SNPs and LNPs, respectively. In the absence of V, SNPs formed homoaggregates at higher concentrations that decreased with stirring time, while the size of LNPs remained unchanged. The presence of V at 2-fold lower concentration than NPs did not change the size of SNPs but reduced the size of LNPs by nearly 2-fold as stirring time increased. Because the size of SNPs and LNPs did not differ substantially between CMP and 100% D 2 O solvents, it is evident that SNPs and LNPs are mainly composed of NPs and not V. In conclusion, the results suggest that LNPs are susceptible to size reduction through collisions with soil microparticles via convection, yielding SNPs near soil–water interfaces within vadose zones.

Nanoplastics↗
DOE OSTI2022

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering for Studying Lipid Bilayer Membranes

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a powerful tool for studying biological membranes and model lipid bilayer membranes. The length scales probed by SANS, being from 1 nm to over 100 nm, are well-matched to the relevant length scales of the bilayer, particularly when it is in the form of a vesicle. However, it is the ability of SANS to differentiate between isotopes of hydrogen as well as the availability of deuterium labeled lipids that truly enable SANS to reveal details of membranes that are not accessible with the use of other techniques, such as small-angle X-ray scattering. In this work, an overview of the use of SANS for studying unilamellar lipid bilayer vesicles is presented. The technique is briefly presented, and the power of selective deuteration and contrast variation methods is discussed. Approaches to modeling SANS data from unilamellar lipid bilayer vesicles are presented. Finally, recent examples are discussed. While the emphasis is on studies of unilamellar vesicles, examples of the use of SANS to study intact cells are also presented.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Correlation-aware binning for small-angle neutron scattering via Gaussian-process inference

Binning in small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is typically performed empirically, with fixed parameters chosen for convenience rather than statistical optimality. Such practices often fail to balance statistical precision and spatial resolution, leading to inconsistencies across instruments and datasets. Here we establish a correlation-aware framework that determines the optimal bin width from first principles by extending the classical Freedman–Diaconis (FD) rule to account for inter-bin correlations with a Gaussian process. In this formulation, the scattering intensity is treated as a smooth stochastic field whose statistical coherence is described by a covariance matrix. Analytical expressions of errors derived from this model yield closed-form criteria that separate the total deviation into contributions from counting noise, aliasing distortion and curvature-dependent correlation effects. Expressed in reduced variables, the resulting dimensionless error surface reveals a continuous transition from the uncorrelated FD regime to the correlation-dominated limit, providing a unified description of noise suppression and resolution control. Because the formulation depends only on the profile characteristics of scattering intensity I(Q), specifically its average intensity and first- and second-order derivatives, it applies generally to any SANS measurement regardless of sample, instrument or geometry. Experimental validation using small- and ultra-small-angle neutron scattering data confirms the predicted scaling behavior, demonstrating that correlation-aware inference systematically reduces mean-squared error and enables information-efficient reproducible data reduction across materials and instruments.

Tung, Chi-Huan [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000221972074)↗
DOE OSTI2023

SCOMAP-XD : atomistic deuterium contrast matching for small-angle neutron scattering in biology

The contrast-variation method in small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a uniquely powerful technique for determining the structure of individual components in biomolecular systems containing regions of different neutron scattering length density ρ . By altering the ρ of the target solute and the solvent through judicious incorporation of deuterium, the scattering of desired solute features can be highlighted. Most contrast-variation methods focus on highlighting specific bulk solute elements, but not on how the scattering at specific scattering vectors q , which are associated with specific structural distances, changes with contrast. Indeed, many systems exhibit q -dependent contrast effects. Here, a method is presented for calculating both bulk contrast-match points and q -dependent contrast using 3D models with explicit solute and solvent atoms and SASSENA , an explicit-atom SANS calculator. The method calculates the bulk contrast-match points within 2.4% solvent D 2 O accuracy for test protein–nucleic acid and lipid nanodisc systems. The method incorporates a general model for the incorporation of deuterium at non-exchangeable sites that was derived by performing mass spectrometry on green fluorescent protein. The method also decomposes the scattering profile into its component parts and identifies structural features that change with contrast. The method is readily applicable to a variety of systems, will expand the understanding of q -dependent contrast matching and will aid in the optimization of next-generation neutron scattering experiments.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Using Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle Neutron Scattering to Study the Orientation of Block Copolymer Morphologies in Thin Films

Here, we used grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering (GISANS) to probe the depth-dependent orientation of self-assembled morphologies of block copolymers. A hydrophobic–hydrophobic block copolymer, poly(solketal methacrylate)-block-polystyrene (PSM-b-PS), was synthesized and spin-coated into films tens of nanometers in thickness where the polymers adopted a disordered state. PSM-b-PS was then hydrolyzed by exposing the polymer thin film to trifluoroacetic acid vapor or embedding a photoacid generator in the film during spin coating, followed by exposure to UV light. The hydrolysis converted the block copolymer into a hydrophilic–hydrophobic block copolymer, poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)-block-polystyrene (PGM-b-PS), significantly increasing the segmental interaction parameter (χ) and causing microphase separation of the copolymers. GISANS was used to study the depth-dependent structure of the films and revealed that the orientation of the microphase-separated structure differed at the polymer–air and polymer–substrate interfaces. In the regions where the lamellae were parallel to the interfaces, the orientation propagated into the film from the interfaces. However, in the areas where the lamellae were perpendicular to the interfaces, the orientation did not persist with increasing distance from the interfaces.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2024

Spin echo small-angle neutron scattering using superconducting magnetic Wollaston prisms

Here, we show the implementation of superconducting magnetic Wollaston prisms for spin echo small-angle neutron scattering. Two calibration methods for the spin echo length are presented: one utilizing spin echo modulated small-angle neutron scattering and the other based on the neutron refraction by quartz wedge crystals. Our experimental results with polystyrene nano-particle colloids showcase the system’s efficacy in measuring both dilute and concentrated colloidal systems. Additionally, investigations into the pore diameter and pitch of a nano-porous alumina membrane demonstrate its capability in analyzing nano-porous materials. Furthermore, we discuss potential optimizations to further extend the accessible spin echo length.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Investigation of Oil Recovery in Mineralogically Distinct Wolfcamp Shale Strata

Understanding and improving hydrocarbon yields during enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in unconventional reservoirs is complicated by the intrinsic mineralogical and geochemical heterogeneity of shale formations. Here, in this study, we utilized small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS) to investigate the degree of oil retention and its location in the nanoporous shale matrix for two mineralogically distinct shale samples. The two samples, dubbed “dark” and “light” based on their color, were taken from adjacent strata in a Wolfcamp shale core. While both samples contained kerogen, the dark sample contained more kerogen and clay (43.7 wt %) while the light sample contained more calcite (54.9 wt %). Samples were presaturated with decane, a model hydrocarbon, prior to pressure cycling with methane. Results showed significantly more retention of decane in 1.5–10 nm radius pores of both, likely indicating that oil is retained within kerogen nanopores. Although the dark sample had a higher porosity of 8.7%, versus 3.3% for the light sample, more pores were accessible to decane and a higher percentage of the imbibed decane was removable from the light sample compared to the dark sample. The majority of decane was not recoverable for the dark sample, indicating that EOR with methane can be challenging. These new findings can help to model expected recoveries of in-place oil from heterogeneous shale formations, as well as inform improved EOR strategies.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗
DOE OSTI2019

The small-angle neutron scattering extension in MCNPX and the SANS cross section for nanodiamonds

Detonation nanodiamonds provide an intriguing prospect for the development of a very cold neutron (VCN) source or as a high albedo material for VCN reflection helping to control leakage of cold and very cold neutrons in a moderator. The investigation of source and reflector designs necessitates the development of new simulation tools for existing Monte Carlo codes that include small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The SANS extension in MCNPX 2.7 provides an analytical model of hard-sphere scattering with variable scattering particle sizes, size distributions, and packing fractions in order to supplement currently existing scattering kernels as well as the capability to read an experimentally determined small angle neutron scattering profile from a data file. The SANS extension is discussed and compared to nanodiamond SANS measurements.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2026

Analytical desmearing of Bonse–Hart ultra-small-angle neutron scattering data via truncated Abel inversion

A non-iterative analytical framework based on the truncated Abel inversion is developed for desmearing Bonse–Hart ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS) data. The method directly inverts the slit-averaged intensity without empirical extrapolation or iterative regularization, establishing a closed-form relationship between the measured and intrinsic scattering profiles. Numerical benchmarks on representative models, including a rigid-line form factor, a Lorentzian function and a fractal structural model, demonstrate quantitative recovery of the ground-truth intensity across the full Q range. Application to a deuterated polystyrene/poly(2-vinylpyridine) blend further confirms that the approach yields smooth continuous profiles consistent with companion small-angle neutron scattering data. The truncated Abel inversion thus provides a stable, model-independent and physically transparent route for accurate desmearing of Bonse–Hart USANS measurements.

Huang, Guan-Rong [National Tsing Hua University, T↗
DOE OSTI2025

Shielded magnetic small-angle neutron scattering for characterization of radioactive samples

The development of a Pb-shielded fixture for the execution of a small-angle neutron scattering (SANS)-based workflow for interrogation of highly irradiated nuclear materials has been explored. The Pb shielding was specially designed to reduce the detected radioactivity from the specimen during SANS experiments, and the overall configuration is termed shielded magnetic SANS (SM-SANS). Two FeCrAl-based alloys, C35M and 125YF, were examined with the SM-SANS technique using a free-form size distribution locally monodisperse model in both the as-received and irradiated states. Quantitative values derived from the free-form size distribution were compared with atom probe tomography experiments. Microstructural and compositional parameters determined using the two characterization techniques were complements of each other. The results demonstrate that the SM-SANS technique is an effective means of characterizing nanoscale clustering in irradiated material systems and provides new avenues for investigating radioactive material microstructures.

FeCrAl↗