Conceptual design of CHESS, a new direct-geometry inelastic neutron spectrometer dedicated to studying small samples

CHESS is a new direct-geometry inelastic spectrometer, which is planned for the Second Target Station (STS) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) in Oak Ridge. It will take full advantage of the increased peak brilliance of the high-brightness STS coupled moderators and of recent advances in instrument design and technology to achieve unprecedented performance for inelastic scattering in the cold energy range. This paper presents a conceptual design that addresses key requirements and technical solutions which are derived directly from the science case and anticipated use of the instrument.