Flexible Sample Environment for the Investigation of Soft Matter at the European Spallation Source: Part II—The GISANS Setup

The FlexiProb project is a joint effort of three soft matter groups at the Universities Bielefeld, Darmstadt, and Munich with scientific support from European Spallation Source (ESS), small-K advanced diffractometer (SKADI) beamline development group Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS), Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ). Within this framework, flexible quickly interchangeable sample carrier system small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) ESS was developed. In present contribution, environment investigation thin films grazing-incidence (GISANS) introduced. Therefore, components were assembled on an optical breadboard measurement film samples under controlled ambient conditions, adjustable temperature humidity, as well optional in situ recording thickness via spectral reflectance. Samples placed 3D-printed spherical humidity metal chamber, which enabled accurate control experimental conditions water-heated channels within its walls. A separately heated gas flow stream supplied dry or saturated solvent vapor. First test experiments proved concept setup respective component functionality.