Monochromation and apodization with Ti-B sub(4)C multilayers in neutron optics

The apodization within B sub(4)C-Ti multilayered monochromators in the Kagan-Afanas'ev-Bormann geometry checked experimentally. By using the absorption and transparency of B sub(4)C and Ti layers, respectively, this apodization manifests itself by narrow and intense first Bragg order coupled with a very low surrounding reflectivity over a large momentum range. Three ion beam sputtering multilayered monochromators, constituted by 9, 25 and 50 (20 A B sub(4)C-120 A Ti) bilayers, are tested. Compared to the classical Ni-Ti multilayered system, the B sub(4)C-Ti multilayered system in the Kagan-Afanas'ev-Bormann geometry is better from the monochromation and apodization point of view.