Neutron Reflectometry with Detection of the Secondary Radiation: Particle–Wave Method of Determining the Nanoscale Isotope Density Distributions

Different regimes of a neutron wave field are considered. The use of grazing neutron incidence geometry in the regime of standing waves with detection of specularly reflected neutrons and secondary radiation in the form of charged particles, gamma quanta, and scattered and spin-flip neutrons is substantiated. The new method of measurements implemented in the studies of layered structures combines the wave properties of neutron propagation and particle properties of neutrons in nuclear reactions. Some experimental data on the estimation of parameters for this method are given. The prospects in the development of neutron reflectometry and particle–wave measurements are pointed out.