Introduction to the Theory of Thermal Neutron ScatteringSince the advent of the nuclear reactor, thermal neutron scattering has proved a valuable tool for studying many properties of solids and liquids, and research workers are active in the field at reactor centres and universities throughout the world. This classic text provides the basic quantum theory of thermal neutron scattering and applies the concepts to scattering by crystals, liquids and magnetic systems. Other topics discussed are the relation of the scattering to correlation functions in the scattering system, the dynamical theory of scattering and polarisation analysis. No previous knowledge of the theory of thermal neutron scattering is assumed, but basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and solid state physics is required. The book is intended for experimenters rather than theoreticians, and the discussion is kept as informal as possible. A number of examples, with worked solutions, are included as an aid to the understanding of the text. |
Contents
Nuclear scattering basic theory | 10 |
Nuclear scattering by crystals | 25 |
Scattering by liquids | 86 |
Neutron optics | 110 |
Magnetic scattering basic theory | 129 |
Scattering from magnetically ordered crystals | 146 |
Polarisation analysis | 171 |
A The Dirac delta function | 196 |
Some results for linear operators and matrix elements | 204 |
E The harmonic oscillator in quantum mechanics | 210 |
G Normal modes of crystals | 218 |
H The proofs of two results for magnetic scattering | 226 |
| 241 | |
Glossary of symbols | 247 |
| 255 | |
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Common terms and phrases
8-function angle angular momentum Appendix atoms axis Bragg peak Bragg scattering Bravais crystal calculate coherent one-phonon component Consider constant corresponding cubic curve d²o Debye-Waller factor defined density direction displacement eigenfunctions elastic scattering electron energy equation exp(−iwt exp(ik exp(UV expression factor ferromagnet Fourier transform frequency given gives Hamiltonian Heisenberg incident neutrons incoherent scattering integrating with respect interaction ions liquid magnetic field magnetic scattering magnetisation matrix element measurements neutrons scattered normal modes nuclear scattering nuclear spin nucleus o²(t obtained one-phonon scattering operator orbital oscillator particle perfect gas perpendicular phonon plane polarisation position potential Q₁ quantity quantum number R₁ reciprocal lattice scattered neutrons scattering function scattering length scattering system shown in Fig spin wave spin-flip spin-state static approximation surface t₁ temperature term theory thermal average thermal neutrons unit cell vector velocity wavelength wavevector zero ΦΩ