In this section
Larmor
Larmor explores an extraordinary range of length scales, from the spacing between atoms to the width of a human hair. By combining conventional neutron scattering with advanced techniques that exploit the fundamental properties of the neutron, it enables researchers to study a diverse range of systems, including foods, battery components, next-generation automotive steels, artificial skin, personal care products, vaccine delivery systems and quantum materials for data storage. These insights are helping to save energy, reduce waste, improve healthcare and create more reliable technologies.
Instrument scientists
To find out more about each team member, click the + symbol.
Technical information
SANS mode
| Incident wavelengths | 0.9 – 13.0 Å or 0.5 – 12.5 Å unpolarised 1.9 – ~10.0 Å polarised with polariser 1 3.0 – 13.0 Å polarised with polariser 2 |
| Momentum transfer, Q | 0.0035 – 0.7 Å-1 with the beam centred in the middle of the detector 0.0035 – 1.0 Å-1 with the beam offset at 2° (sample-to-detector preset distance 4m fixed) |
| Polariser | Larmor has a polarised beam option with a supermirror V cavity and a RF gradient spin flipper. Upon request, polarisation analysis with a 3He spin analyser is available from ISIS Polarisation group. |
| Detector | The main SANS detector consists of an array of 80 x 600 mm2-long position-sensitive 3He tubes with an angular coverage of ~4° (vertical) x up to 8° (with horizontal offset), located 4.4 m from the sample.
A high-count rate detector of 38 x 50 mm2 in size is installed for SESANS measurements. A 1-dimension high-angle detector can be installed for wide-angle diffraction measurements. |
| Sample Area | Sample-to-detector fixed distance: 4m. Larmor is unique having a large sample area capable of installing a range of different sample environment and associated hardware. |
| Beam size | Defined by sample apertures final collimation. Up to 15 x 15 mm2 is possible, typically an 8 x 8 mm2 is used. Smaller apertures are available, please discuss with an instrument scientist for further information. |
SESANS mode
Typically, SANS can measure length scales of the order a few 100 nms. To go to larger length scales can be achieved using a combination of magnetic fields and a polarised neutron beam.
A nice gentle introduction is written by one of our collaborators and regular users, this is focused on food research but covers the technique in detail for new users:
Spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering for multiscale structure analysis of food materials
We also work with teams across other institutes to refine and develop this technique along with pictures illustrating what the SESANS setup looks like and a brief introduction:
Data Reproducibility of Spin-Echo Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Instruments
Some recent examples include combining SANS and SESANS to look at emulsions:
RipeningofNonaqueousEmulsionsofn‑DecaneinDimethyl SulfoxideObservedbyTime-ResolvedSpin-EchoSmall-Angle NeutronScattering(SESANS)
Looking at solubility in solar cells:
Different agglomeration properties of PC61BM and PC71BM in photovoltaic inks – a spin-echo SANS study
| Incident wavelengths | 1.9 – ~10.0 Å polarised with polariser 1 3.0 – 13.0 Å polarised with polariser 2 |
| Spin-echo length | We can access a range of spin echo lengths by varying the pole shoe angle and magnetic field strength/RF frequency. These are typically
0.5MHz: ~50nm to 6micron (80degrees to 40degrees) |
| Polariser | In SESANS mode Larmor uses a polarised beam with a supermirror V cavity and a RF gradient spin flipper and a supermirror array as the analyser. Note that due to using a polarised neutron beam this method is not compatible with magnetic samples. |
| Detector | A high-count rate detector of 38 x 50 mm2 in size is installed for SESANS measurements. |
| Sample Area | Sample-to-detector fixed distance: 4m. Larmor is unique having a large sample area capable of installing a range of different sample environment and associated hardware. |
| Beam size | Defined by sample apertures final collimation. Up to 15 x 15 mm2 is possible, typically an 8 x 8 mm2 is used. Smaller apertures are available, please discuss with an instrument scientist for further information. |
Related resources
Sample preparation and sample environment
SANS quartz cells information can be found on the SANS technique page.
Information about the ISIS Soft Matter team can be found on the sample environment page.
Latest publications
Instrument reference
All publications and datasets based on experiments using Larmor should cite that the data is collected by DOI: 10.5286/isis.instrument.5418. Experiment DOIs follow the format 10.5286/ISIS.E.RBXXXXXXX, where XXXXXXX is the 7-digit experiment (RB) number and these can be viewed via the Data Gateway.