Neutron scattering

We will recall the physical principles of neutron diffusion, emphasizing the characteristics of the phenomenon that differentiate it from X-ray diffusion, particularly the existence of inelastic scattering whose energy spectrum can be determined. We will demonstrate the special capabilities of neutrons related to their low absorption in matter and their interaction with atomic magnetic moments. A review of the equipment currently available to French researchers at national reactors and the high-flux reactor in Grenoble will be provided, specifying the order of magnitude of their respective performances. We will show, through some examples of results obtained in France, the new information that neutrons have recently provided in their various fields of application: structures of crystals and amorphous substances, magnetic structures, conformation of macromolecules, biological or polymeric, phonons and magnons, molecular dynamics, neutron Lang topography.