Concepts in spin echo small-angle neutron scattering

Two-dimensional spin echo small-angle neutron scattering experiments that measure the vector-length distribution function, or pair-distance distribution function, in real space are discussed. The proposed diffractometer uses two cylindrically symmetric magnetic fields with conically shaped front and end faces to enable experiments in two dimensions. It also features a π/2 neutron spin flipper to make the effective analyzing direction of the analyzer perpendicular to the polarizing direction of the polarizer. The theoretical aspect of one-dimensional spin echo small-angle neutron scattering experiments is also explored. The relationship between the correlation function from one-dimensional experiments and the vector-length distribution function is established, and interpretation of this correlation function in real space is presented.