ANSTO's research capabilities, led by the OPAL nuclear research reactor and associated instruments provide access to users investigating areas as diverse as materials, life sciences, climate change and mining/engineering.
Recent Results
A robotic sample changer (4-axis pick- and-place), see images below, is now routinely operated for room-temperature experiments: it takes samples to and from the beam one by one. If required the samples can be rotated in the beam or moved vertically through the beam. Specially designed lids allow the samples to be sealed inside the Vanadium sample cans whilst being moved by the robot.
The Echidna team continues running calibration and friendly user experiments. Several low-temperature experiments were successfully carried out using closed-cycle cryofurnaces and a liquid-He cryostat, see below.
The new focussing Ge monochromator has been assembled and is expected to be available for operation during the next cycle; it will significantly expand the range of accessible wavelengths.