30

What are neutrons used for?  What does neutron scattering do?

Neutrons can be used to look at for example; blood cells, plastic, paper, magnets, chocolate, aircraft components and many more. If it has an atomic structure, our understanding of it can be improved by scientists using neutrons. Neutrons generated in research reactors are scattered by atoms in the material being probed. The scattering pattern reveals the sample's molecular structure. This technique is called neutron scattering, the subject of the 1994 Nobel Prize for Physics.

Nine neutron beam instruments are currently under construction at OPAL. The facility will have the capacity for further expansion, including the potential for a second neutron guide hall. A suite of equipment will enable studies at different temperatures, pressures and magnetic fields.