Zero-field polarized neutron optics and new possibilities

Some possibilities of the use of magnetically anisotropic layered structure s are pointed out. Remanent supermirrors that require no field for saturati on have recently been developed in several laboratories. Zero-field polariz ers are unique in forming polarized beams and for analysis of polarization. Zero-field 3D polarizer made of two remanent benders magnetized in mutuall y perpendicular directions is suggested. Such a device used as analyzer wil l allow 3 components of the polarization vector to be measured without any magnetic systems, spin Rippers or spin turners. In principle, one can work with polarized neutrons without any external magnetic fields in the whole r egion of the instrument (zero-field instrumentation). (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.