Virtual characterization of the time-of-flight neutron reflectometer of the China Spallation Neutron Source

A general virtual experiment for the time-of-flight neutron reflectometer is introduced to simulate the experimental data collection and processing, including instrument simulation, sample modeling, detector simulation, and data reduction. The process mimics the experimental data processing and reduction routines. The reduced data agree well with the theoretical calculation, confirming the reliability of the data reduction algorithms. The methodology and algorithms developed in this study pave the way for the future development of data processing and data reduction software for the time-of-flight neutron reflectometer of China Spallation Neutron Source.