Contrast variation in spin-echo small angle neutron scattering

Abstract

The principle of using contrast variation spin-echo small angle neutron scattering (SESANS) technique for colloidal structural investigation is discussed. Based on the calculations of several model systems, we find that the contrast variation SESANS technique is not sensitive in detecting the structural characteristics of colloidal suspensions consisting of particles with uniform scattering length density profiles. However, its capability of resolving the structural heterogeneity, at both intra- and inter-colloidal length scales, is clearly demonstrated. The prospect of using this new technique to investigate the structural information that is difficult to be probed by other ways is also explored.