Using Mathematica, Wolfgang Schmidt, a scientist at the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science, designed new neutron optical components to improve the efficiency of one of the most powerful spectrometers available for neutron scattering research.

Mathematica‘s flexible programming language allowed Schmidt to quickly write new programs and verify lengthy calculations for simulations he needed to investigate for spectrometer upgrades, which included a neutron polarizer. With Mathematica, he could test and visualize various parameters that helped him design the polarizer and optimize its performance.

The streamlined workflow meant he could generate useful results in a matter of hours compared to the days it took previously. Schmidt shares details of his work and the advantages of using Mathematica in this video.

Now installed, the neutron polarizer Schmidt developed is proving to be more efficient in polarizing and transmitting the beam, making the spectrometer a more powerful instrument for neutron scattering research.

Learn more about Schmidt’s work and see other Mathematica success stories on our Customer Stories pages.