SBIR-STTR Award

We address a need of the neutron user community by creating a minimum viable prototype of the only high-throughput hydrostatic pressure small angle neutron scattering sample environment (HTHP-SANS-SE). Our HTHP-SANS-SE will greatly improve the ease of use and reliability of measurements under extreme environments, thereby increasing throughput on the beamline and expanding feasibility. Current HP-SANS cells are difficult to load/unload and require significant sample amounts, often prohibitive for soft matter users. The HTHP-SANS-SE will b controlled via existing data acquisition software (NICE) and enable queueing multiple cells compatible with standard sample block environments, to optimize the use of beamtime while greatly simplifying support required from beamtime scientists.

The product to be delivered based on this innovation is a neutron scattering sample environment that enables efficient neutron scattering measurements of biopolymer solutions at high pressure. The proposed high-throughput, high-pressure small-angle neutron scattering (HTHP-SANS) sample environment addresses key customer needs and provides substantial advantages to both the scientific user and the beamline support staff. The HTHP-SANS cell is designed for rapid thermal and pressure equilibration to maximize beamtime measurement efficiency while also enabling in-situ scattering measurements. The fixed-window design facilitates easy sample changes and cell cleaning, while eliminating the potential for certain experimental errors due to leakage often present in removable window cells, particularly at low temperatures. Design goals include P-T ranges: 0.1 Pa to 220 MPa, attainable within 10 minutes, -22°C to+ 90°C, sample volume 600 µL-1.5 ml, compatibility with standard sample changers, and interfacing with standard software. The product will increase scientific productivity and deliver unique experimental capabilities to develop the structure-processing-property relationships critical for development of advanced materials and products in industries including biopharmaceuticals, vaccine development, clean energy, cold chain management, wastewater remediation, and nanotechnology.