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Wide Aperture Vector magnet for neutron scattering studies

We propose an innovative design for a vector magnet compatible with neutron scattering experiments. This would vastly expand the range of experimental possibilities since applying a magnetic field and orienting the sample in diffraction conditions will become completely independent. This Wide Aperture VEctor magnet is a setup made of 16 coils, all with a vertical axis. The vertical component of the field is produced by two pairs of coaxial coils carrying opposite currents for an active shielding of the stray field, while the horizontal components are generated by 3 sets of 4 coils each, two above and two below the diffraction plane. This innovative geometry allows a very wide aperture (220$\,^{\circ}$ horizontal, $\pm$ 10$\,^{\circ}$ vertical), which is crucial for neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering experiments. Moreover, the homogeneity of the field is far better than in the usual vertical coils, and the diameter of the sample bore is unusually large (10 cm). The concept has been developed so as to be used as a sample environment on every LLB instrument relevant for magnetism studies.