Temperature-controlled neutron reflectometry sample cell suitable for study of photoactive thin films

Journal Article · Sat Apr 15 00:00:00 EDT 2006 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2194090· OSTI ID:20779209

Yager, Kevin G; Tanchak, Oleh M; Barrett, Christopher J; Watson, Mike J; Fritzsche, Helmut ^[1]

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1. Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Lab 406, 801 Sherbrooke Street W., Montreal, Quebec H3A 2K6 (Canada)

We describe a novel cell design intended for the study of photoactive materials using neutron reflectometry. The cell can maintain sample temperature and control of ambient atmospheric environment. Critically, the cell is built with an optical port, enabling light irradiation or light probing of the sample, simultaneous with neutron reflectivity measurements. The ability to measure neutron reflectivity with simultaneous temperature ramping and/or light illumination presents unique opportunities for measuring photoactive materials. To validate the cell design, we present preliminary results measuring the photoexpansion of thin films of azobenzene polymer.

• OSTI ID: 20779209
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 77, Issue 4; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2194090; (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
DESIGN
IRRADIATION
NEUTRONS
PHOTOCHEMISTRY
POLYMERS
REFLECTION
REFLECTIVITY
THERMAL EXPANSION
THIN FILMS
VISIBLE RADIATION