We developed a novel humidity control system for neutron reflectivity measurements based on the two-way gas-flow method that can generate up to 85% relative humidity (RH) within a temperature range of 5 °C-85 °C. The system consists of a gas-flow-type humidity generator and a thermostatic sample chamber, each of which can independently control the temperature. The key features include rapid humidity response and long stable operation time. The humidity reaches equilibrium within 2 to 5 min during the humidity change, and the system exhibited acceptable stability over a three-day, nonstop experimental measurement duration, with a precision of ±1% RH at 85 °C and 85% RH. The sample chamber is capable of measuring substrate samples with dimensions of up to 2-in. in diameter and 5-mm in thickness. We demonstrate the reflectivity data measured at a pulsed neutron facility, MLF BL17, in the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex. The combined use of this system with neutrons permits in situ, time-resolved studies of the swelling process of polyvinyl alcohol and adhesive materials.

中文翻译：

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用于中子反射率测量的气流湿度控制系统

我们基于双向气流法开发了一种用于中子反射率测量的新型湿度控制系统，该系统可以在 5°C-85°C 的温度范围内产生高达 85% 的相对湿度 (RH)。该系统由气流式湿度发生器和恒温样品室组成，每一个都可以独立控制温度。主要特点包括快速的湿度响应和长的稳定运行时间。在湿度变化过程中，湿度在 2 到 5 分钟内达到平衡，系统在三天不间断的实验测量持续时间内表现出可接受的稳定性，在 85°C 和 85% RH 下的精度为 ±1% RH。样品室能够测量尺寸最大为 2 英寸的基板样品。直径和 5 毫米的厚度。我们展示了在日本质子加速器研究中心的脉冲中子设施 MLF BL17 测量的反射率数据。该系统与中子的结合使用允许对聚乙烯醇和粘合剂材料的溶胀过程进行原位时间分辨研究。