Developing neutron reflectometry for materials research in Norway

Neutron reflectometry is an advanced analytical method that can provide depth resolved information ranging from about 5 to 5000 Å. It allows access to the concentration of a species in a direction perpendicular to the film surface, probe lateral order and also determine the magnetic micro-structure. Neutron reflectometry has never been performed inside Norway and Norwegian researchers have to rely on large-scale facilities and scientific know-how located outside the Nordic countries to perform these studi es. With the upcoming European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund (Sweden), Neutron reflectometry WILL finally arrive to Scandinavia in the early 2020s. The design and pre-construction phase of state-of-the-art instrumentation is already underway. NOW is the time to be actively engaged in this grand European project and to lay a solid fundament for the future use of neutron reflectometry in Norway and the Nordic countries. The project aims therefore primarily at building competence in neutron reflectometry b y providing training to a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute Laue Langevin (ILL) and the FRM-II reactor site in Garching (near Munich). The fellow will be involved in various aspects like instrument operation, development of methodologies, instrument de sign, testing of optical components for the ESS, and will be able to initiate a research program of his/her own. A second aim of the project is to establish a neutron reflectometry user group in Norway and inform potential users through workshops and meet ings about current trends, possibilities and future challenges associated with the upcoming ESS. Finally, the competence gained during the project will be used to upgrade the facilities at the JEEP II reactor in Kjeller (Norway) with a neutron reflectomet er of its own. This in return will enable Norway to develop its capabilities and to take full benefit in its membership of the ESS.