Speaker
Description
The ANDES diffractometer requires highly precise movement of its neutron components to function optimally. To meet these stringent requirements, we established a comprehensive pipeline to design, manufacture, mount, integrate, and test precision linear positioning systems. This paper describes the development and implementation of six specialized systems. First, a compact dual-axis (< ∅ 150 × 50 mm) XY linear stage was developed for sample oscillation. Second, a monochromatic beam optics system was designed, incorporating three linear stages for prismatic slit positioning. Third, an 8-Degree-of-Freedom (DOF) monochromator interchange system was engineered and partially tested; it features two custom, in-house linear stages providing 800 mm of vertical travel and 50 mm of horizontal movement. Fourth, a novel 2-DOF oscillating collimator was implemented, combining lateral linear and rotational movements to simplify center calibration and enable standard oscillation. Fifth, a modular prismatic slit was developed using additive manufacturing for prototyping, featuring independent blade mechanisms with integrated internal cable routing and minimized backlash. Finally, a standard 4-DOF neutron slit system was designed (two window sizes (150 × 150 mm and 300 × 300 mm)), built, and partially tested, controlled via a custom 4-stepper-motor box using G-code commands over USB serial. This work outlines the developed institutional capacities and discusses critical engineering challenges, including engineering documentation, manufacturing tolerances, operational requirements, and testing methodologies.
Key Words
Precision positioning, linear stages, manufacturing, tolerances, monocromator, stepper controller