Neutron Sciences Directorate

Neutron Science at Oak Ridge National Laboratory The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) seeks to answer big science questions about the fundamental nature of materials at the atomic scale. By answering big science questions, neutrons help spur innovations that improve our daily lives: more powerful computers, more effective drugs, longer lasting batteries, and improved armor for the military. NScD achieves its mission by delivering a world-class neutron science program made possible by the safe and reliable operation of two of the most advanced neutron scattering facilities in the world: the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). These two facilities are funded by the US Department of Energy’s Office of Science and Office of Basic Energy Sciences. In partnership with the University of Tennessee, NScD operates the Shull Wollan Center—a Joint Institute for Neutron Sciences to promote excellence in advancing the application of neutrons to the forefront of science and industry, and it is dedicated to the training and education of future researchers. HFIR and SNS are co-located with ORNL’s Building Technologies Research and Integration Center (BTRIC), Carbon Fiber Technology Facility (CFTF), Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), Center for Structural Molecular Biology (CSMB), Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), National Transportation Research Center (NTRC), and the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF). This group of cutting-edge research facilities provides a diverse set of tools and expertise needed for experiments across a wide range of fields including biology, materials and energy sciences, physics, engineering, and chemistry. Few neutron facilities around the world can match the power and scientific capabilities SNS and HFIR offer, coupled with close access to additional world-leading research facilities. As a result, thousands of researchers from around the world apply each year to complete their research at HFIR and SNS. The most promising proposals are selected by a scientific panel through peer review. Scientists who have their proposals selected use the facilities and instruments at SNS and HFIR free of charge in return for making their data and findings public. Neutron Scattering Science: Where are the atoms and what are they doing? Neutrons are one of the particles that make up matter. Neutrons are abundant in the universe, making up more than half of all visible matter. They are also ideal for certain types of research. Neutron scattering provides information about the positions, motions, and magnetic properties of materials. When a beam of neutrons is aimed at a sample, many neutrons will pass through the material. But some will interact directly with atomic nuclei and “bounce” away at an angle, like colliding balls in a game of pool. This behavior is called neutron scattering. Using special detectors, scientists count scattered neutrons, measure their energies and the angles at which they scatter, and map their final position. This makes it possible for scientists to glean details about the nature of materials ranging from liquid crystals to superconducting ceramics, from proteins to plastics, and from metals to metallic glass magnets.