Large scale structures

All small angle neutron scattering (SANS) instruments and reflectometers share a similar forward focussing and scattering geometry, and accordingly, the structural sizes they investigate are also similar.

When performing grazing incidence experiments (GISANS) on a SANS machine, the distinction between these types of instruments vanishes.

In the same way, the instrument REFSANS is optimised for both types of scattering geometry, as reflected in its acronym.

Specialised in investigating layered structures, NREX and MARIA are still identified as classical reflectometers using a crystal monochromator to achieve the resolutions required.