Mid-term report of the NMI3 neutron spin filter project

Within the framework of an NMI3 Joint Research Activity funded by the EU Framework Programme 6, CEA-MDN, FRM-II, FZJ, HMI, ILL and ISIS actively develop neutron spin filters with the long-term aim of improving the scientific research possibilities for European users. A mid-term report is presented, including progress made for polarising 3He gas with the spin-exchange or metastability-exchange optical pumping techniques and an overview of the new widgets designed for minimising the depolarisation of the gas during the storage, transport and spin-flip of 3He cells.