Design study of the imaging beam line at J-PARC MLF, ERNIS

We have a plan to build an imaging beam line, ERNIS (Energy-Resolved Neutron Imaging System), at MLF (Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility) at J-PARC (Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex). In pulsed neutron imaging, we use characteristic features of the neutron total cross section, depending on the neutron wavelength, to get sample information such as crystallographic structure and nuclide composition. One of the most important items to be determined for a beam line at J-PARC is the choice of moderator among coupled, decoupled, and poisoned moderators. From the wavelength resolution point of view, we decided to use the decoupled moderator, which could cover major experiments performed at a pulsed neutron source. Here, we discuss the structure of the imaging beam line at beam line 22 of the J-PARC neutron source as well as the arrangement of insertion devices and the experimental area.