Reciprocal space neutron imaging

Here we introduce a new method for coherent, reciprocal space neutron imaging. This new method overcomes the limitations of existing neutron imaging methods due to the resolution of the position sensitive detectors. The method implements a spatial encoding similar to that used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging or neutron Fourier spectroscopy. Spatial information is encoded in the phase of neutrons. In this paper we develop the theory, present preliminary results obtained by applying and refocusing a spatial phase gradient on the neutron beam and show simulations based on the experimental parameters of the neutron interferometer setup at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).