Abstract
The design and performance of the new inverted-geometry time-of-flight backscattering instrument, Mica Analyzer high Resolution inverted time-of-flight backscattering Spectrometer (MARS) located at SINQ, at the Paul Scherrer Institut, is described. The spectrometer boasts high resolution over a large neutron energy transfer range, reaching 1 μeV at the elastic line. The foremost distinguishing feature is the moveable analyzer banks, allowing resolution matching between the primary and secondary instrument, thus achieving optimal intensity. A wide Q-range is obtained by selecting different mica analyzer reflections, rendering MARS a highly versatile spectrometer with applications foreseen across many branches of the physical and biological sciences.
Acknowledgements
We would like to extend our gratitude to the superb body of technical staff here at the Paul Scherrer Institut, who actually built the instrument.