Neutron Scattering

Neutron scattering was pioneered at ORNL by Cliff Schull and Ernie Wollan, with the first diffraction experiments being performed in 1945. Cliff Shull shared the 1994 Nobel Prize in Physics with Bertram Brockhouse, who pioneered the triple-axis technique.

Neutrons are an experimental tool for determining the positions, correlations and motions of atoms in condensed matter systems. The advantage is that the neutron wavelength is well-correlated to inter-atomic spacings and the neutron kinetic energy is well-matched to atomic dynamics in solids. Neutrons are weakly interacting and highly penetrating, which aid in analyzing scattering data.

Furthermore, the isotropic sensitivity of neutrons provide a level of contrast variation with scattering spectra, and so neutrons can also be used to measure the positions of light atoms as well as heavy ones. Finally, the magnetic moment of the neutron allows for neutron scattering from unpaired electron spins, and to discern magnetic ordering in materials.


Neutrons at ORNL

ORNL boasts 33 neutron scatering instruments: 13 at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and 20 at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). Both of these sources are continuously being upgraded to continue to function as world-leading sources of neutron scattering research. HFIR is planning for the replacement of the Be reflector in 2023-24, at which time the cold guide hall will be expanded and redesigned to house new and upgraded instruments. The SNS is currently constructing 2 new instruments, planned to be put into the user program in 2022 and 2023. That source is also in the midst of the Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) project that will double the power of the accelerator from 1.4 MW to 2.8 MW. This will provide more flux to the existing instruments, as well as add the capability to construct a Second Target Station (STS) with new time-of-flight instruments.

Every year, ORNL (in conjuction with the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory) hosts graduate students who are interested in learning more about neutron and x-ray scattering. Students receive lectures from active researchers, and hands-on tutorials interacting with instrument scientists on the neutron instruments. For more information, please see the NXS page.

My instrument responsibilities are currently in the Triple-Axis Team at HFIR. To learn more about HFIR, the triple-axis spectroscopy suite, and our instrument and experimental capabilities, please check the information below, or feel free to contact me.

Do you have questions about HFIR capabilities or how to propose an experiment?

We are available to help at any stage of the process. Please feel free to contact any member of an instrument team. Contact me here:

Scroll to Top