2023-07-23 22:10:00
Here is a major achievement that redefines the frontiers of materials science. The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at the Department of Energy at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has set a world record, achieving 1.7 megawatts of accelerator beam power.
This figure represents a significant improvement over the site’s original design capabilities.
Increased throttle power provides more neutrons to researchers who use this facility to study and improve a wide range of materials. This research allows the design of more efficient solar panels, more durable batteries and lighter and more resistant materials for transport.
This progress illustrates an operational milestone for neutron scattering in the United States and portends the resolution of more complex questions and problems in materials research.
Diverse applications for a sustainable future
“This increase in beam power represents another key step in the Proton Power Enhancement project, a key element to enable new scientific advances at the SNS, including a better understanding of advanced materials for clean energy applications.“, said Jeff Smith, acting director of theORNL. “I congratulate our staff for their efforts which have made it possible to reach this new record.“.
The Subatomic Particle Revolution
Since its construction in 2006, the SNS has established itself as a global hub for advanced scientific research, providing cutting-edge scientific capabilities to thousands of researchers around the world. The latter can thus study energy phenomena and materials at the atomic scale.
The facility produces neutrons by accelerating protons along a 300 meter linear accelerator, around an accumulator ring and into a liquid mercury target. On impact, a “spallation” of neutrons is directed at surrounding research instruments, allowing scientists to study the atomic structure and behavior of various materials.
Synthetic
The performance of the SNS marks a new milestone in the development of materials science and in the advancement of particle accelerator technology. This heralds a new era of scientific discoveries and technological innovations that will have far-reaching impacts in a variety of fields, from clean energy to aeronautics.
For a better understanding
The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is research equipment that uses neutrons to study the structure and behavior of materials. The increased beam power from its accelerator provides more neutrons for research, opening up new possibilities in materials science.
Improvements to the particle accelerator to achieve the record beam power of 1.7 megawatts at the spallation neutron source include the addition of 28 high-powered radio frequency klystrons (the red tubes) to increase the power of the accelerator. Credit: Genevieve Martin/ORNL, US Dept. of Energy
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