Virtual experiments in University teaching

Kim Lefmann

MCNSI public, ISIS, 27/9-05

New University neutron course

• University of Copenhagen, 4th year physics (+Ph.D.)• 10 hours per week, 8 weeks• Lecturers: Kim Lefmann, Peter Willendrup,

Bente Lebech, Kell Mortensen

• Theory (Squires) and simple calculation problems• Data analysis (Fullprof, Mfit)• 3 reports on McStas simulations (DMC, RITA-2, SANS-2) • Plus 3 (6) full days experiments at PSI• One final report, no exam

Course plan (week by week)

• 1: Introduction (neutrons + McStas), materials, Squires ch. 1

• 2-3: Scattering theory, (powder) diffraction, FULLPROF, DMC Project (crystal structure), Squires ch. 2-3 (elastic)

• 4-5: Inelastic scattering, phonons, MFIT, RITA-2 project (phonons), Squires ch. 2-3 (inelastic)

• 6-7: SANS, “SANS-software”, SANS-2 project, Notes

• 8: Magnetic scattering, Squires ch. 7-8

• “9”: PSI experiments, (comparing with simulations)

• PSI cold source• Straight guide• Flat monochromator• Collimator• Powder sample• Banana detector• (+ diagnostic

monitors)• Data analysis in

FULLPROF

Project 1: DMC (PSI)

Project 2: RITA-2 (PSI)

• PSI cold source

• Straight guide

• Curved monochromator

• Soller collimator

• Vanadium / phonon sample

• Single analyzer

• Single detector

• (+ diagnostic monitors)

• Data analysis in MFIT

Project 3: SANS-2 (PSI)• PSI cold source• Straight guide• Velocity selector• Pinhole collimation (3/6 m)• SANS sample• PSD detector• (+ diagnostic monitors)

• Simple data analysis (Gunier, Perot)

• (right) Virtual data.Hard spheres, 50 nm,

Real experiments

• PSI, 23-29 June 2005• 2 groups of 3 M.Sc. students• SANS-2 under repair• RITA-2, 3 days each

• No repetition of simulations!• Spin wave projects

(α-MnMoO4)• Data analysis in MFIT

• Students very self confident even tough instrumentation (multi-analyzer mode)

Conclusion

• M.Sc. students like the approach (continue with neutrons)

• Excellent student reports!

• “hands-on” experience to instrumentation

• Students act experienced on Day-1

• Better understanding for semi-experienced Ph.D. students

• Good beta-test of McStas 1.9!

• Focused efforts to get virtual experiment concepts tested

• This will be continued!