Neutrons are a good instrument for examining various materials – everything from molecules and medicines to plastics and proteins. It is possible to obtain unique information about the structure and function of the material with neutrons. The technique is called neutron scattering. To put it simply, neutrons reveal where the atoms are in a material and how they work.
However, the extent as to how detailed studies can be is directly dependent on how many neutrons a neutron source can produce.
The more neutrons, the more detailed and realistic the results of research are. The more powerful the neutron source is, the greater its use to the researchers.
Today, there are a large number of research facilities based on neutron sources – above all in Europe. Most are based on small nuclear reactors, a technique that has long since reached its maximum capacity and cannot be developed further.
As a result, neutron researchers have developed the third generation of neutron sources based on the spallation technique. The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is already in operation in the USA and, in Japan, J-PARC started its operation in May 2008. ESS will become the third new, powerful neutron source.
The difference between the current and future neutron sources will be like the difference between studying an object in the glow of a candle and studying it under flash lighting. The new technique, for example, is expected to contribute to making discoveries that can lead to:
the development of superconductive material for the loss-free conduction of electric power
better medicines with fewer side-effects
lighter and safer vehicles and fuel-cells
material used in hydrogen storage for cleaner energy production
The other reason why Europe needs ESS is because neutron research has always been a field in which Europe has been considered world-leaders. Above all, the reason is that, today, there are a large number of neutron sources in Europe. The USA is considered to lead development in many other fields of research, which is reflected in the fact that many Nobel Prize winners are American.
Both SNS and J-PARC will soon be in full operation, however, Europe only just now made its decision about where the new European spallation facility, ESS, will be built. This is despite the fact that many of today’s European facilities have been in operation for several decades and that many of them will have been taken out of operation in 10-15 years time. If Europe wants to maintain its leading position within neutron research, ESS needs to be finished around 2025.