Expanding Neutron Beam Capabilities at Low and Medium Flux Neutron Sources

Successful and sustainable neutron beam research program relies on a variety of neutron sources, as each high- and medium-low flux neutron source plays a critical role in the neutron ecosystem and are needed to satisfy the needs of the broad user community. Recent advances in neutron beam technologies have reduced barriers to deploying proven techniques, such as neutron imaging and scattering, and developing capability at more modest neutron source intensities, including compact accelerator-based neutron sources (CANS). Neutron beam techniques are among the most versatile in science and technical applications, particularly for relating microscopic structures and processes to bulk properties as well as applications in non-destructive testing. Increasing and expanding the utilization of a neutron sources can require new equipment, technological innovations, and collaboration from various experts, research centres, and stakeholders. The new utilization capabilities will enhance accessibility and affordability of these powerful and in many cases unique techniques, provide opportunities for development and innovations, and bring significant economic and social benefit to Member States.
 
Here, we consider three areas (work packages) of neutron beam instrumentation for low and medium flux neutron sources [1, 2, 3]: (i) the stimulation of the development, upgrading and enhancing availability of already existing neutron imaging and neutron scattering techniques; (ii) the stimulation of the development, establishment and enhanced availability of new neutron beam capabilities; and (iii) the stimulation of the development of a platform for effective collaboration between facilities, promotion of neutron beam applications and related outreached programs.
 
Through these four areas, this Coordinated Research Project (CRP) aims to stimulate the development of methodologies and availability of capabilities for research and applications of neutron beams, namely neutron imaging neutron scattering and other neutron beam based techniques at low and medium flux neutron sources, both research reactor and accelerator based, including enhancement of their utilization and accessibility for external users.