Sample environment device for neutron scattering
By designing a sample environment device, combined with temperature control and magnetic field devices, a coupling environment of multiple fields is provided, which solves the problem that existing devices can only simulate a single environment and realizes flexible adaptability to various neutron scattering experiments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA SPALLATION NEUTRON SOURCE SCI CENT
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing sample environment devices can only simulate a single sample environment and cannot meet the needs of various neutron scattering experiments.
A sample environment device was designed, comprising a sample apparatus, a temperature control device, and a magnetic field device, capable of providing a coupling environment for multiple fields, including temperature, magnetic field, and light field. The independent transmission of neutron beam and light is achieved through the design of superconducting coils and channels, and the combination of temperature control and magnetic field devices provides a variety of experimental conditions for the sample.
It realizes coupling environments with multiple fields, is suitable for various neutron scattering experiments, meets the needs of different experimental conditions, and improves the flexibility and accuracy of experiments.
Smart Images
Figure CN224152382U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of neutron scattering technology, specifically to a sample environment device for neutron scattering. Background Technology
[0002] Neutrons, due to their neutral charge, strong penetrating power, and magnetic moment, are ideally suited for investigating the microscopic structure and dynamics of matter. Neutron scattering experiments are a method that utilizes the interaction between neutrons and matter to study their microscopic structure and dynamic properties. Neutron scattering is based on the nuclear force between neutrons and atomic nuclei, and the interaction between the neutron's magnetic moment and the magnetic properties of matter. These interactions cause neutrons to scatter as they pass through matter, allowing them to be used to probe the internal structure and dynamic characteristics of matter.
[0003] Neutron scattering experiments often require various sample environments to simulate the working conditions of the sample. Common sample environments include high temperature, low temperature, magnetic field, high pressure, and light field. The coupling energy of low temperature, air pressure, magnetic field, and light field provides unique composite control capabilities for neutron scattering experiments, such as helping to study the phase transition behavior and critical current characteristics of superconducting materials; it can also be used to study lithium-ion diffusion and electrode structure stability by simulating the temperature and electromagnetic environment of a battery. However, in related technologies, sample environment devices can only simulate a single sample environment, which can no longer meet the needs of various neutron scattering experiments. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention primarily addresses the problem that the sample environment device can only simulate a single sample environment.
[0005] According to a first aspect, one embodiment provides a sample environment device for neutron scattering, comprising: a sample device, a temperature control device, and a magnetic field device. The sample device has a sample cavity capable of accommodating a sample. The temperature control device is used to control the temperature of the sample cavity. The magnetic field device includes two superconducting coils spaced apart along a first direction. Each superconducting coil has a central hole extending along the first direction. The sample is placed in the central hole through the sample device. A second channel extending along a second direction and a third channel extending along a third direction are further provided between the two superconducting coils. The second channel and the third channel intersect at the central hole, and both the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to the first direction. The second channel is used for neutron beams to pass through, and the third channel is used for light to pass through.
[0006] In some embodiments, the second direction is perpendicular to the third direction.
[0007] In some embodiments, the sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering includes a light source positioned directly opposite the third channel.
[0008] In some embodiments, the sample device includes a sample tube, a sample rod, and a sample box. The internal space of the sample tube forms the sample cavity. The sample rod is located in the sample cavity and is used to fix the sample box. The sample box is used to hold the sample.
[0009] In some embodiments, the sample rod is provided with an air passage that communicates with the sample box.
[0010] In some embodiments, the sample apparatus includes a heating element disposed on the sample rod.
[0011] In some embodiments, the temperature control device includes a first refrigerator connected to the sample tube and capable of supplying cooling energy into the sample chamber.
[0012] In some embodiments, the temperature control device further includes a first heat preservation screen, in which a vacuum cavity is formed, and at least a portion of the sample tube is located within the vacuum cavity.
[0013] In some embodiments, the temperature control device further includes an adsorbent disposed within the vacuum chamber.
[0014] In some embodiments, the magnetic field device includes a second refrigerator and a second heat insulation screen, the superconducting coil is located inside the second heat insulation screen, and the second refrigerator is used to supply cooling energy to the superconducting coil.
[0015] According to the above embodiment of the sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering, the temperature control device provides the temperature environment required for the neutron scattering experiment, the superconducting coil in the magnetic field device provides the magnetic field environment required for the experiment, the third channel allows light to pass through to provide the optical field environment required for the experiment, and the second channel allows the neutron beam to pass through in the neutron scattering experiment. The above-described sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering can provide coupling environments for multiple fields and is suitable for various neutron scattering experiments. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the sample environment device for neutron scattering according to this utility model;
[0017] Figure label:
[0018] 100. Sample apparatus; 101. Sample chamber; 102. Sample tube; 103. Sample rod; 1031. Heating element; 104. Sample box; 200. Temperature control device; 201. First refrigerator; 202. First heat preservation screen; 2021. Vacuum chamber; 203. Adsorbent; 300. Magnetic field device; 301. Superconducting coil; 3011. Central hole; 302. Second channel; 303. Third channel; 304. Second refrigerator; 305. Second heat preservation screen; 400. Light source. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.
[0020] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.
[0021] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).
[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, one embodiment provides a sample environment device for neutron scattering, including: a sample device 100, a temperature control device 200, and a magnetic field device 300.
[0023] The sample apparatus 100 has a sample cavity 101 capable of accommodating a sample. For example, the sample apparatus 100 may include a sample tube 102, a sample rod 103, and a sample box 104, with the internal space of the sample tube 102 forming the sample cavity 101. The sample rod 103 is located within the sample cavity 101 and is used to fix the sample box 104. The sample box 104 may be fixed to one end of the sample rod 103 and is used to hold the sample.
[0024] The temperature control device 200 is used to control the temperature of the sample chamber 101. The temperature control device 200 can be used to provide a low-temperature environment or a high-temperature environment, depending on the temperature environment required for the neutron scattering experiment.
[0025] The temperature control device 200 can deliver a cooled or heated working fluid to the sample chamber 101 to regulate the temperature inside the sample chamber 101. Alternatively, the temperature control device 200 can also provide heat or cold to the sample chamber 101 through heat conduction or heat radiation.
[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the magnetic field device 300 includes two superconducting coils 301 spaced apart along a first direction. Each superconducting coil 301 has a central hole 3011 extending along the first direction, and the sample is placed within the central hole 3011 by the sample device 100. The first direction can be the Z-axis direction, i.e., the up-down direction. The spaced arrangement of the two superconducting coils 301 increases the magnetic field strength and improves the uniformity of the magnetic field, providing the magnetic field environment required for neutron scattering experiments. Furthermore, the spaced arrangement of the two superconducting coils 301 also facilitates the reservation of channels for the neutron beam and the optical field between the two superconducting coils 301.
[0027] A second channel 302 extending along a second direction and a third channel 303 extending along a third direction are also provided between the two superconducting coils 301. The second channel 302 and the third channel 303 intersect at the central hole 3011, and the second direction and the third direction are both perpendicular to the first direction. The second channel 302 is used to allow the neutron beam to pass through, and the third channel 303 is used to allow light to pass through.
[0028] The second direction can be perpendicular to the third direction. For example, the second direction can be the Y-axis (front-back direction), and the third direction can be the X-axis (left-right direction). This arrangement facilitates the placement of the neutron beam device and the light source device, minimizes interference, and also reduces the likelihood of interference between the light and the neutron beam during neutron scattering experiments.
[0029] According to the sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering in the above embodiment, the temperature control device 200 provides the temperature environment required for the neutron scattering experiment, the superconducting coil 301 in the magnetic field device 300 provides the magnetic field environment for the experiment after being energized, the third channel 303 allows light to pass through to provide the optical field environment required for the experiment, and the second channel 302 allows the neutron beam to pass through in the neutron scattering experiment. The above-described sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering can provide coupling environments for multiple fields and is suitable for various neutron scattering experiments.
[0030] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the sample environment device for neutron scattering includes a light source 400, which faces the third channel 303. The light source 400 can be generated by a laser positioning device, which is used to determine whether the sample box 104 has reached the set position inside the sample tube 102.
[0031] In one specific embodiment, a reflector may be fixed on the sample rod 103 or the sample box 104. The laser generated by the laser positioning device passes through the third channel 303 and reaches the reflector at a small angle, after which the reflected light exits through the third channel 303. The aforementioned "small angle" can be understood as: the incident laser is not perpendicular to the reflector and forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with it. A target with a fixed position can be set on the exiting side, and the target has scales in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). When the spot of the reflected light reaches the marked position on the target, it indicates that the sample position is accurate. Furthermore, when the spot deviates from the marked position, the sample position can be adjusted according to the scale on the target.
[0032] In other embodiments, the light source 400 may also be generated by a light source device, and the light generated by the light source 400 reaches the sample through the third channel 303 to provide the sample with the light field environment required for the neutron scattering experiment.
[0033] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the sample rod 103 is provided with a gas channel, which is connected to the sample container 104. For example, the sample rod 103 can be a hollow structure, and the hollow part of the sample rod 103 forms a gas channel. The gas channel can be used to introduce high-pressure gas to provide the high-pressure environment required for the neutron scattering experiment. In addition, the gas channel can also be used to introduce atmospheric pressure or low-pressure gas, and the specific pressure value is determined by the conditions required for the neutron scattering experiment.
[0034] The sample apparatus 100 includes a heating element 1031 disposed on the sample rod 103. For example, the heating element 1031 can be a heating resistance wire, which can be wound around the outer periphery of the sample rod 103. When the temperature environment required for the neutron scattering experiment is a low-temperature environment, the gas in the gas passage of the sample rod 103 may freeze, leading to gas passage blockage. The heating element 1031 can prevent this from happening. In other embodiments, the heating resistance wire can also be embedded within the sample rod 103. Alternatively, a heat insulation layer can be provided on the outer periphery of the sample rod 103.
[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the temperature control device 200 includes a first refrigerator 201, which is connected to the sample tube 102 and is capable of supplying cooling energy to the sample chamber 101. The temperature control device 200 also includes a first heat preservation screen 202, which forms a vacuum chamber 2021, and at least a portion of the sample tube 102 is located in the vacuum chamber 2021.
[0036] The first refrigerator 201 can be a helium refrigerator. The helium refrigerator compresses helium gas through a compressor, then dissipates the heat in a condenser, and then reduces the helium gas pressure and temperature through a throttling device such as an expansion valve. Finally, the gas is delivered to the sample chamber 101 through a cold head to achieve the cooling effect.
[0037] A vacuum cavity 2021 is formed within the first heat insulation screen 202. The vacuum cavity 2021 can block heat conduction, which is beneficial for maintaining the temperature environment within the sample cavity 101. The temperature control device 200 also includes an adsorbent 203, which is disposed within the vacuum cavity 2021. The adsorbent 203 may specifically include activated carbon, used to adsorb the gas within the vacuum cavity 2021 to maintain the vacuum level of the vacuum cavity 2021, which is beneficial for maintaining the heat-blocking effect of the vacuum cavity 2021. In other embodiments, the first heat insulation screen 202 may not form a vacuum cavity 2021, and may simply be a material with good thermal insulation properties.
[0038] In the specific operation process, the gas in the vacuum chamber 2021 can be extracted as much as possible using a vacuum pump. The gas that is not extracted can be adsorbed by the adsorbent 203 set in the vacuum chamber 2021. Then, the first refrigerator 201 is started to cool the sample chamber 101.
[0039] Understandably, when the experiment requires a high-temperature environment for the sample, the first refrigerator 201 can be replaced by a heating device.
[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the magnetic field device 300 includes a second refrigerator 304 and a second heat insulation screen 305. The superconducting coil 301 is located inside the second heat insulation screen 305, and the second refrigerator 304 is used to supply cooling energy to the superconducting coil 301. For example, the second refrigerator 304 can be a helium refrigerator.
[0041] The specific operating procedure is as follows: First, the superconducting coil 301 is cooled using a helium refrigerator to below the superconducting critical temperature, entering the superconducting state. Then, a current is passed through the superconducting coil 301. Due to zero resistance, the current can flow continuously without Joule heat loss. This continuously flowing current will generate a magnetic field around the superconducting coil 301, providing a magnetic field environment for the neutron scattering experiment. The second insulation screen 305 can block heat conduction, which helps maintain the low-temperature environment of the superconducting coil 301.
[0042] The sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering in the above embodiments can provide a sample environment with low temperature, air pressure, magnetic field, and optical field coupling for neutron scattering experiments. In specific experiments, the apparatus can be suspended on a neutron scattering spectrometer. The sample is suspended in the sample cavity 101 by the sample rod 103 and the sample box 104, and the sample height is positioned by a side-mounted laser positioning device to keep the sample at the neutron beam height for the experiment.
[0043] The above-described specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the concept of this invention.
Claims
1. A sample environment device for neutron scattering, characterized in that, include: A sample apparatus having a sample cavity capable of accommodating a sample; A temperature control device, wherein the temperature control device is used to control the temperature of the sample chamber; A magnetic field device includes two superconducting coils spaced apart along a first direction. Each superconducting coil has a central hole extending along the first direction. A sample is placed in the central hole through a sample device. A second channel extending along a second direction and a third channel extending along a third direction are also provided between the two superconducting coils. The second channel and the third channel intersect at the central hole, and both the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to the first direction. The second channel is used to allow a neutron beam to pass through, and the third channel is used to allow light to pass through.
2. A sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering according to claim 1, characterised in that, The second direction is perpendicular to the third direction.
3. A sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering according to claim 2, characterised in that, Includes a light source, which is positioned directly opposite the third channel.
4. The sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering of claim 1, wherein, The sample device includes a sample tube, a sample rod, and a sample box. The internal space of the sample tube forms the sample cavity. The sample rod is located in the sample cavity and is used to fix the sample box. The sample box is used to hold the sample.
5. A sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering according to claim 4, characterised in that, The sample rod is provided with an air channel, which is connected to the sample box.
6. A sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering according to claim 4, characterised in that, The sample device includes a heating element disposed on the sample rod.
7. A sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering according to claim 4, characterised in that, The temperature control device includes a first refrigerator connected to the sample tube and capable of supplying cooling energy into the sample chamber.
8. A sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering according to claim 7, characterised in that, The temperature control device also includes a first heat preservation screen, in which a vacuum chamber is formed, and at least a portion of the sample tubes are located within the vacuum chamber.
9. A sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering according to claim 8, characterised in that, The temperature control device also includes an adsorbent, which is disposed inside the vacuum chamber.
10. A sample environment apparatus for neutron scattering according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The magnetic field device includes a second refrigerator and a second heat preservation screen. The superconducting coil is located inside the second heat preservation screen, and the second refrigerator is used to supply cooling energy to the superconducting coil.