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Ridge National Laboratory Material Science and Technology Division Neutron Super Mirror Focusing Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology to work on the following projects at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Project Description Neutron supermirrors can reflect wide bandpass neutron beams with high efficiency. We are developing microfocusing optics that can produce small neutron beams with brilliance approaching the limit set by the neutron source. This project will test mirror bending strategies to improve the performance of neutron focusing optics. The mirrors will be tested using a specially-designed long-trace profiler that can determine the mirror figure. A special emphasis will be placed on the development of a new focusing geometry that combines so-called Advanced Kirkpatrick-Baez optics with nested optics to create a compact 4 mirror focusing system with a large field of view for imaging. Other designs to be tested will improve the beam size that can be efficiently focused. Ultimately, the mirrors will be tested at a neutron source and the results will be described in a paper. Laboratory Contact: Gene E. Ice, IceGE@ornl.gov Applicants’ Responsibilities and Relationship to Project Applicants will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the project research team at the Laboratory for up to 10 weeks during the summer of 2010. The exact appointment period in the time frame of June to August will be scheduled by mutual agreement between the host divisions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the successful applicant. Faculty will be expected to identify two to three students from their campuses to participate in the FaST program. The faculty member will provide some mentorship to students during the summer research activities. The faculty and students must participate as a group and serve their appointments concurrently. It is expected that the faculty member and the students become an integral part of the research team working on this project and that opportunities for continued collaboration may be identified. Qualifications of Ideal Candidate A background in geometry is essential for the students and faculty expertise or willingness to learn and teach geometrical optics to the participating students is desirable. Support and Financial Commitments The successful candidate will receive a stipend based on the academic salary, travel expenses to and from the Laboratory, and a housing allowance. Students recommended by the faculty member for participation in the program will receive a stipend of $425/week for each week at the Laboratory, plus a housing allowance, and reimbursement for transportation expenses to and from the ORNL. Funds are provided for this program from the US Department of Energy, Office of Science in partnership with the National Science Foundation, from ORNL, and from other sources.
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