Research with neutrons
Neutron research and applications
From basic science to practical applications - neutron research spans a wide range of topics. Here are some examples:
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Magnetism Many magnetic properties of materials can only be studied by neutron scattering. An important application of magnetic properties on the atomic scale is the development of innovative materials for data storage. Superconductors that are capable of loss-free power transmission and have other useful properties, are being studied by neutron scattering. |
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Making hydrogen visible Biological molecules are often large and complex. Many parts of their structure can be studied using photons, but the position of single hydrogen atoms can only be determined using neutrons - and a single hydrogen position often determines the mode of ation of genes, enzymes, catalysts and antibiotics. Neutron scattering experiments therefore provide indispensible information for the understanding of such reactions and their effect. |
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Non-destructive testing |
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New materials Neutrons help finding new materials: Lead-free ferroelectrics for cell phones, diffusion layers for fuel cells, new superconductors, alloys for future gas turbines and many more. |
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Understandning processes Neutron research gives insight into processes that are not understood so far: Is it a good idea to store CO2 in bedrock? What is function of the hydration shell around proteins? Do nanoparticles interact? How do plat roots change the water uptake of soil? What hardens steel and how can welding be improved? Which processes steer technical catalysis? |
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Detecting trace elements - important for the environment and arts Neutron activation uses the nuclear reaction of material that is expoed to neutrons to identify trace elements in the sample. The method is highly sensitive, and the sample (e.g. a precious artefact or painting) is not being harmed. |
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Production of radionclides for medicine and research Radioisotopes from research reactors can mark tumors and even treat them gently. They also help monitoring blood flow, inflammations, cardiac insufficiency and other processes. |
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Origin of the universe In an early stage of the universe neutrons made up a major part of matter. The origin of light elements and the isotope distribution can be understood better when the exact life time of the free neutron is known. It also helps unterstanding the weak interactions better. |
What are neutrons?
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Neutrons are building blocks of atomic nuclei. Atomic nuclei are made up by protons and neutrons (except hydrogen). Neutrons have been known as particles since 1932. Experiments show that their mass is similar to that of protons. Whereas protons have a positive charge, neutrons got their name from the fact that they are neutral. Today, we know that neutrons are made up by even smaller particles, three quarks.
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How do you get free neutrons?
Normally, neutrons are bound in the atomic nucleus. They can be set free by nuclear reactions. Free neutrons are unstable, they decay with a half-life of about 15 Minutes into a proton, an electron and an antineutrino. There are different types of neutron sources which use various processes for the release of neutrons. Nuclear fission and spallation are very efficient, but they require large scale facilites. Lately, smaller facilities using accelerators or lasers have been developed. |
More about research with neutrons
- "Neutron", Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron
- "Neutron research", Forschungszentrum Jülich: https://www.fz-juelich.de/portal/EN/Research/KeyTechnologies/NeutronResearch/_node.html
- "Neutrons for research", brochure from 2017, https://mlz-garching.de/media/20170601_neutrons-for-research_online.pdf
- "Neutrons used as a probe", MLZ, https://mlz-garching.de/englisch/research/neutrons-as-a-probe.html
- "Application examples using neutrons and positrons", MLZ, https://mlz-garching.de/englisch/research/application-examples
- "Films about neutron research at BER II", A series of short films about the former neutron source at HZB, https://www.helmholtz-berlin.de/projects/rueckbau/ber/ber-2-videos_en.html
- "Perspectives of Neutron Research in Germany", Komitee Forschung mit Neutronen, brochure from 2011: https://www.sni-portal.de/de/Dateien/perspektiven-der-neutronenforschung-in-deutschland-im-licht-der-kommenden-neuen-europaeischen-neutronenquelle
- "Neutrons and…", brochures of the ILL: https://www.ill.eu/about-the-ill/documentation/topical-brochures/
- "Neutrons for science and technology", European Neutron Scattering Association, brochure from 2017: https://www.sni-portal.de/de/Dateien/ensa-brochure-neutrons-for-science-and-technology
- „Forschung mit Neutronen für die Zukunft", extract from a talk by Prof. Dr. Frank Schreiber, 2021: https://www.sni-portal.de/de/Dateien/forschung-mit-neutronen-fuer-die-zukunft