Optimization of neutron scattering instruments using different optimization routines

A description of how the Monte Carlo simulation of a neutron scattering instrument can be combined with an optimization routine in order to design an instrument with the best performance is given. The parameters optimized here describe the converging guide exit of an instrument. A least-square fitting routine and a Metropolis algorithm (as used in the reverse Monte Carlo method) were used to reach this goal. The advantages and disadvantages of the use of these routines are discussed. A combination of both methods is proposed to find the optimal values with high accuracy. In general, the numerical optimization yields results that can sometimes not be obtained by varying the parameters by hand