See the results on the JRA8 front page

The present JRA is aimed at developments in three areas:

• Detectors for muon spectroscopy; in particular, development of fast-timing detectors and those capable of providing position information.


• Instrument simulation; in particular, the development of code to enable full simulation of
  muon spectrometers.


• Advanced experimental methods, in particular development of novel pulsed techniques.

WP1  –  Detectors

This work package deals with the development of new detectors for µSR spectrometers. In particular:

1. Development of position-sensitive detectors and electronics readout based on
   new solid state and integrated technologies;


2. Fast timing detector system for high magnetic field and RF spectrometers;


3. Exploration of analogue detection techniques.

WP2  –  Instrument Simulation

There is a growing need to understand the detailed operation of muon instruments since experiments are putting greater demand on the performance of individual spectrometers.
In particular, both muon facilities are engaged in designing new spectrometers which will be equipped with higher magnetic fields. In this Work Package of the muon JRA, we plan to attack this problem by developing a suite of simulation tools, which will equip the facilities for the next phase of instrument development.
The complete instrument simulation will:

1. Allow a fuller of understanding of the operation of the current spectrometers; and


2. Provide a resource for spectrometer design that will be invaluable for the development
   of all types of muon spectrometers, including those equipped to provide high fields.

WP3  –  Advanced Techniques

The basic muon method can be enhanced by application of external stimuli to either the implanted muons or sample atoms, and such experimental methods open up new science areas to the muon technique. These methods benefit from the synchronous application of the external stimulus with the arrival of muons in the sample, both to reduce sample heating effects and to allow dynamics studies by variation of the stimulation timing with respect to the muon pulse.
ISIS has an ongoing programme to develop the radio-frequency µSR technique; PSI also have requirements for pulsed environments in order to reduce sample heating, for example when currents are applied. This work package will provide for further development of pulsed environment methods, particularly RF-µSR, for example its extension into the microwave region, together with techniques such as acoustic muon spin resonance.

WP4  –  Management, dissemination, collaboration with other JRAs

Meetings of the WPs will take place every six months while JRA – Muons meetings will be convened once a year. In this occasion a yearly report will be produced. Summary reports, highlights and perspectives will be inserted into the JRA WEB-page.
Special meetings with other JRAs are envisaged around midterm to compare and exchange technical information regarding, in particular, detector and instrument simulation problem – for example, there will be interaction with JRA1 (DETNI) to look for possible synergies with Si detector development.