Progress of material characterization techniques based on neutron Bragg-edge transmission imaging

Wang, Y. W.*; Xu, P. G.   ; Su, Y. H.  ; Ma, Y. L.*; Wang, H. H.*

With the rapid technological development of large spallation neutron source facilities, the neutron beam flux obtained has been greatly improved and neutron imaging techniques have been further developed. Due to the limitation of neutron beam flux, conventional neutron imaging techniques require neutron beams with a wide wavelength range to obtain relatively high neutron beam flux conditions. Recently, spallation neutron sources using large proton accelerators have made it possible to obtain high-flux pulsed neutron beams. Energy (wavelength) resolved neutron imaging technique based on the Bragg edge effect (neutron Bragg edge transmission imaging technique) is expected to have a wide range of applications because of its high energy resolution, high spatial resolution, and ability to detect crystallographic information. The basic principle of this technique is briefly introduced. Several applications in the evaluation of residual strain, phase composition, dislocation density, and oriented structure are also reviewed to play an active role in promoting the wider applications of related technique.