Neutron characteristics of single-crystal magnesium fluoride

A feasibility study of using single-crystal MgF2 as a neutron filter is also detailed in terms of the optimum crystal orientation, mosaic spread, thickness and temperature for efficient transmission of thermal-reactor neutrons. Calculation shows that a 100 mm thick MgF2 single-crystal cut along (1 1 0) plane cooled to liquid nitrogen temperature, with 0.05o FWHM on mosaic spread, is a good thermal neutron filter, with high effect-to-noise ratio.