HOLONS: a new facility for the development of optically recorded diffraction elements for neutron scattering

A description of a new research facility for HOLOgraphy and Neutron Scattering (HOLONS) at the Geesthacht Neutron Facility, is given. It essentially consists of a light- optical holographic set-up inserted into a small-angle neutron scattering instrument of a beamline for cold neutrons. Among other possibilities, this facility permits to follow the buildup of holographic gratings during recording (i.e., in real time) by simultaneous light and neutron diffraction experiments. Thus it is especially suitable for the development of optically recorded diffraction elements for neutron scattering. The main features of this new facility will be described below and first results will be presented. In particular, we point out some interesting perspectives which became now open for investigation.