Neutron collimators reduce the background signal in neutron experiments such as diffraction and spectrometry, by absorbing stray neutrons. Common designs include Soller and radial collimators, which typically consist of blades coated with a highly absorbing material in a parallel or diverging arrangement respectively.

Collimators based on blades inherently collimate in one dimension only, but advances in 3D printing technology allow more intricate designs, enabling 2D collimation. Recently we received the first proof of principle in the form of cubes, 3D-printed from enriched boron carbide powder (¹⁰B₄C). These first ‘collimator prototypes’ are 20x20x20 mm, with 5×5 mm, straight walled channels. We are currently exploring different designs and optimizing the structural integrity, vane thickness and smoothness.

3D printed collimators allow complex structures for true two-dimensional collimation. The collimators are printed in enriched 10-Boron Carbide. JJ X-Ray is developing the technology, and full-size 3D printed collimators are available.

Find out more about our 3D Printed Collimator technology here.