Larmor procession reflectometry for studying multilayers

A new experimental method (angular encoding) based on the combination of reflectometry and neutron spin-echo methods, which makes it possible to use widely collimated neutron beams and provides an angular resolution of about 0.01°, has been proposed. It was used to study magnetic thin films. In particular, the effect of Larmor pseudoprecession of neutron polarization upon reflection from a 57 Fe film with a thickness of about 100 nm was investigated, and it was shown that this method allows one to determine the absolute magnetization direction; this cannot be done using conventional reflectometry.