Small-angle neutron scattering analysis of a water-based magnetic fluid with charge stabilization: contrast variation and scattering of polarized neutrons

The nuclear and magnetic scattering contributions in small-angle scattering experiments on a diluted water-based magnetic fluid are separated by the contrast variation technique and scattering of polarized neutrons. The significant difference found in the nuclear and magnetic apparent particle sizes is related to different nuclear and magnetic correlation lengths in the system.