Atomic structure holography using thermal neutrons

• Published in: Nature (London) Vol. 414; no. 6863; pp. 525 - 527
• Main Authors: Rogge, R. B, Sur, B, Hammond, R. P, Anghel, V. N. P, Katsaras, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing 29.11.2001; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Experimental methods and instrumentation for elementary-particle and nuclear physics; Holography; Neutron spectroscopy; Neutrons; Nuclear physics; Physics; Polymers; Roots; Scientific imaging; Spectrometers and spectroscopic techniques; Monocrystals; Thermal neutrons; Neutron holography; Experimental study; Structure resolution
• ISSN: 0028-0836; 1476-4687
• DOI: 10.1038/35107026

The idea of atomic-resolution holography has its roots in the X-ray work of Bragg and in Gabor's electron interference microscope. Gabor's lensless microscope was not realized in his time, but over the past twelve years there has been a steady increase in the number of reports on atomic-resolution holography. All of this work involves the use of electrons or hard X-rays to produce the hologram. Neutrons are often unique among scattering probes in their interaction with materials: for example, the relative visibility of hydrogen and its isotopes is a great advantage in the study of polymers and biologically relevant materials. Recent work proposed that atomic-resolution holography could be achieved with thermal neutrons. Here we use monochromatic thermal neutrons, adopting the inside-source concept of Szöke, to image planes of oxygen atoms located above and below a single hydrogen atom in the oxide mineral simpsonite.