Journal Article

IMPULSE-2025-00099

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Energy-resolved neutron imaging and diffraction including grain orientation mapping using event camera technology

Hirsh, T. Y. (Corresponding author) ; Leong, A. F. T. ; Losko, A. S.MLZ* ; Wolfertz, A.MLZ* ; Savage, D. J. ; Jäger, T. T. ; Rakovan, J. ; Wall, J. J. ; Long, A. M. ; Vogel, S. C.

2025
Springer Nature [London]

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s41598-025-96790-1

Abstract: Time-of-flight neutron diffraction and energy-resolved imaging each provide unique perspectives into material properties. Neutron diffraction is useful for assessing microstructural parameters such as phase composition, texture, and dislocation densities, though it typically provides averaged data over the sampled volume. Energy-resolved imaging, on the other hand, offers both spatial and spectral information by detecting Bragg edges and neutron absorption resonances, which enables detailed mapping of microstructure and isotopic composition. When combined, these techniques have the potential to enrich our understanding of material behavior across different scales, enhancing our understanding of complex materials. Traditionally, these modalities are conducted on separate instruments, which is time-consuming and poses challenges for data integration. Here, we report the integration of the LumaCam, an event-mode energy-resolved neutron imaging camera with the HIPPO time-of-flight diffractometer at LANSCE. This integration enables simultaneous diffraction and imaging across the full spectrum, with analysis optimized for diffraction and Bragg-edge imaging in the thermal range (0.45–10 Å) and resonance imaging in the epithermal range (0.5–3000 eV), facilitating comprehensive multi-modal analysis. We demonstrate its capabilities through case studies, including spatial mapping of grain orientations in a steel sample and accurate thickness estimations for irregular samples including a depleted uranium cylinder and a natural silver-containing mineral specimen. The combined setup enhances real-time sample alignment and provides comprehensive data for crystal structure, texture, and isotopic composition analysis. This approach opens new possibilities for advanced applications in nuclear engineering, archaeology, and materials science.

Keyword(s): Instrument and Method Development (1st) ; Crystallography (2nd) ; Industrial Application (2nd) ; Instrument and Method Development (2nd) ; Materials Science (2nd)

Note: Grants: BMBF 05K19WO2, BMBF 05K22WO5, LANL’s Laboratory Directed Research & Development program 20230592ER, INL Laboratory Directed Research & Development (LDRD) Program 24A1081-222FP, Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) DE-AC07-05ID14517

---

Contributing Institute(s):

1. NECTAR (NECTAR)

Experiment(s):

1. Measurement at external facility

Appears in the scientific report 2025

---

Database coverage:
; ; Article Processing Charges ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; DOAJ Seal ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection ; Zoological Record

---