World-Leading Neutron Sources
Spallation Neutron Source
The Spallation Neutron Source is the world’s most powerful accelerator-based neutron source. It’s celebrating 20 years of safe operations and scientific achievements in 2026.
High Flux Isotope Reactor
The High Flux Isotope Reactor also celebrated a milestone, turning 60 years old in 2025. HFIR, a discovery powerhouse, continues to operate safely and reliably. It is considered one of the world’s top facilities for materials research and for production of isotopes for energy, national security, medical applications and industrial use
Together, these two neutron sources attract thousands of researchers from around the globe, who use their state-of-the-art suite of instruments to conduct their experiments to achieve real-world impacts in the nation’s priority areas, such as energy competitiveness and security, quantum science, advanced manufacturing, treatment of cancer and other diseases, space exploration, and national security.
ORNL’s Second Target Station
A third neutron source, the Second Target Station, is planned to greatly expand the capabilities of neutron scattering, complementing those of the SNS First Target Station (FTS) and HFIR, by filling gaps in materials research that require the combined use of intense, cold (longer wavelength) neutrons and instruments that are optimized for exploration of complex materials.
Together, these three facilities form an unbeatable combination that will maintain US global leadership in neutron science capabilities.
What Is Neutron Scattering?
Neutrons, one of the particles that comprise matter, are ideal for certain types of research due to their many unique features, which enable them to provide insights no other research method can. Some of those features are:
Neutron scattering provides information at the atomic scale about the positions, motions, and magnetic properties of materials. When a beam of neutrons is aimed at a sample, many neutrons will pass through the material, but some will interact directly with atomic nuclei and “bounce” away at an angle, like colliding balls in a game of pool. This is called neutron scattering.
Using special detectors, scientists count scattered neutrons, measure their energies and the angles at which they scatter, and map their final position. This makes it possible for scientists to glean details about the nature of materials ranging from liquid crystals to superconducting ceramics, from proteins to plastics, and from metals to metallic glass magnets.
Why Neutrons?
HFIR and SNS offer 31 advanced instruments covering a wide range of materials science techniques.
Both scientists and non-scientists can access ORNL’s leading research facilities via the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s User Program. ORNL’s neutron research user facilities are open to researchers to facilitate their studies in science and technology.
