Two types of wide-angle fan analyzers for neutron beams

Fan analyzers are devices with tapered channels formed by polarizing neutron (super) mirrors. Two types of wide-angle fan analyzers for the polarization of neutrons scattered by the sample are considered. Fan analyzers with the geometry of straight channel walls (type I) have been produced in PNPI (Gatchina) and tested in JINR (Dubna) and GKSS (Geesthacht). A more consecutive and simple approach to their design is now proposed. An approach to the correction of the neutron data for the analyzer transmission is discussed. Some aspects concerning the design and the use of such analyzers in neutron reflectometers are taken into account. The theory of a fan analyzer with curved channel walls (type II) is presented. It is pointed out that it can also be used to design focusing polarizers.