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Neutron beam guide hall

Uses of Neutron sources

The study of polymer and soft matter is one of the major growth areas of neutron scattering, and much of the research in this area has direct industrial applications. Of importance for industrial processes are the understanding of the deformation and relaxation of polymer melts, and their response to shear. Shear induced strains are always present in the production of polymers, and yet the effects on the properties of polymers are poorly understood. Neutrons shed unique light on this problem.

In superconductors there are basic questions relating to vortex pinning that affect performance in the critical current that can be passed. Neutrons can image this vortex lattice and help to determine the best methods of fabrication for, for example, superconducting tapes. In the field of multilayers, neutron reflectivity can be used to provide unique information about the extent of interfacial diffusion, and the direction and amplitude of the magnetic moments. These materials are also at the forefront of technology, especially since the discovery of the giant magnet-resistance effect.

Earth sciences are a relatively new area for the use of neutron sources. A technique that has been particularly valuable has been powder diffraction with the Rietveld method, capable of averaging over a large sample, and the ability to distinguish between materials with different hydrogen content. Averaging over a large sample is vital, for example, in determining the texture and preferred orientation of geological specimens.

Small-angle scattering of neutrons from biological macromolecules in solution is playing an increasingly important role in structural molecular biology. The techniques yield information on molecular associations and overall shapes of biomolecules in solution.

The unique properties of neutrons are also making an impact in engineering research. One example is research on colloids (mixtures), with a view to process control and stabilisation of complex colloids. This work has implications in the petroleum industry, for example, where two important issues are the presence of asphaltenes (which lead to production problems) and efforts at enhanced oil recovery.

Designer isotopes

Other than the advances in technology and applications of neutron sources such as the OPAL research reactor, another area of advancement in nuclear science is in artificially producing individual isotopes, tailored for different applications.

Developments in producing rare isotopes are leading to advances in many areas of nuclear science. For example, a wider range of available isotopes will benefit the fields of medicine as there will be a greater range of radiopharmaceuticals with different properties and applications. It will benefit counter terrorism and safeguards efforts by providing tools to nuclear forensics specialists; and will benefit the nuclear energy industry by leading to better understanding of the sort of nuclear reactions that will power the cleaner, next-generation reactors.