The first part of this presentation will give an overview about the capabilities of the ILL to perform inelastic neutron scattering measurements. Depending on the use case (energy range, resolution, type of sample etc.), different classes of instruments are available: time-of-flight, triple axis, and more specialized techniques (spin-echo, backscattering). Most of the instruments at the ILL have undergone significant up-grade in the recent years. Thanks to these recent developments, long-standing questions in materials such as unconventional superconductors can now be addressed, as well as, for instance, the study of new quantum magnetic effects. The current state of the experimental possibilities, together with typical applications, will be discussed.
A particularly powerful technique for the study of magnetism are polarized neutrons. This technique allows separating different types of nuclear and magnetic processes from each other precisely; however, intensity issues sometimes limit its application in inelastic neutron scattering, which is why in only few places worldwide such experiments can be performed. We will present an example of inelastic scattering from the skyrmion phase of manganese silicide, a model system for complex magnetic order and its potential applications (spintronics etc.). The excitation spectrum of this particular magnetic order is extremely complex and has recently been measured in unprecedented detail thanks to the use of polarization analysis. In excellent agreement with theory, these works provide a comprehensive understanding of fundamental magnetic excitations of the magnetic skyrmion phase.