Neutron Scattering Length Density Evaluation via X-ray Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurately determining the neutron scattering length density of multi-component materials is challenging due to the complexity of their composition and structure, which affects the evaluation of molecular structure and material properties.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes small-angle X-ray scattering and contrast variation small-angle neutron scattering measurements to determine the neutron scattering length density by matching the shape of scattering intensity curves, allowing for the accurate calculation of molecular structure and material properties, even in materials with multiple components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If neutron scattering measurement is performed on multi-component materials, then molecular structure information can be obtained, but the neutron scattering length density cannot be accurately determined due to unknown composition ratios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneutron scattering length density determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

X-ray scattering measurement is introduced as an intermediary method to determine the scattering length density of individual components in multi-component materials. The X-ray measurement serves as a mediator that provides component-specific scattering data, which is then used to calculate the neutron scattering length density accurately, resolving the problem of unknown composition ratios in neutron scattering analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement approach is segmented into separate component analysis: first performing X-ray scattering measurement to characterize individual components and their scattering properties, then using this segmented information to calculate the overall neutron scattering length density. This segmentation allows accurate determination even when composition ratios are unknown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If contrast variation small-angle neutron scattering measurement is performed, then scattering intensity curves can be obtained, but the determination of mixing ratio in multi-component materials becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattering intensity curve accuracyVSAvoidmixing ratio information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

X-ray scattering measurement serves as an intermediary that provides independent component identification and scattering characteristics. This intermediary data is then used to interpret the neutron scattering intensity curves, enabling accurate determination of mixing ratios even when the neutron scattering alone provides insufficient information due to overlapping signals from multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise determination of neutron scattering length density and molecular structure, leading to improved evaluation of material properties such as energy loss and abrasion resistance, and allows for the determination of mixing ratios in multi-component materials.

Implementation Method 1

In the evaluation of the molecular structure of a material by neutron scattering/diffraction measurement, the structural information can be calculated based on the neutron scattering length density of the target material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeutron scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

determining the neutron scattering length density based on a scattering intensity curve obtained by neutron scattering measurement, with use of a scattering intensity curve obtained by X-ray scattering measurement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2803982B1Method of evaluating neutron scattering length density
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP2803982B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2803982B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2803982B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of evaluating the neutron scattering length density, capable of accurately determining the neutron scattering length density. The present invention relates to a method of evaluating the neutron scattering length density of scatterers in a material, including determining the neutron scattering length density based on a scattering intensity curve obtained by neutron scattering measurement, with use of a scattering intensity curve obtained by X-ray scattering measurement.