ORNL reactor prepares to make ‘cold’ neutrons

The High Flux Isotope Reactor at

has passed a major milestone in its bid to become one of the world’s leading sources of ‘cold’ neutrons for advanced scientific research.

Once fully operational, the reactor will combine with the laboratory’s Spallation Neutron Source to make Oak Ridge the world’s centre for neutron sciences.

In tests last week, powerful refrigeration systems designed to cool the reactor’s neutron beams to 20K (minus 425^o Fahrenheit) operated ‘just as we expected,’ said Kelly Beierschmitt, HFIR Executive Director.

‘We now have a working cryogenic system to cool the neutrons at HFIR,’ Beierschmitt said. ‘This is a huge step toward completion of a truly world-class research facility.

‘We will do systems testing and safety reviews over the next couple of months to prepare the reactor to resume routine operations. This is a very exciting time here at our reactor.’

Neutrons are vital to research in physics, chemistry, engineering and other materials-related fields. At room temperature, they are ideal for use in special instruments to illuminate the atomic structure and dynamics of hard, dense materials.