High Brilliance Neutron Source

The project of a high brilliance accelerator-based neutron source HBS aims to develop and establish a unique infrastructure for neutron analysis (imaging methods and scattering) to be used in a multitude of scientific disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, materials and engineering science.

Newest developments in the area of neutron targets, moderators, beam extraction, beam guidance and neutron optics will allow the realization of such an efficient and novel new neutron source. The HBS will utilize a low energy high current proton accelerator offering high power pulsed proton beams to a compact target device which will produce sufficient neutron beams for science as well as industry.

Thanks to various target stations dedicated to specific applications and optimized for investigating small samples, it will ideally complement the larger international facilities such as the future European Spallation Source ESS.

Scientific Background

The development of new materials and material systems made possible by the rapid advances of modern technology on which society’s future prosperity is based, is closely associated with the availability of efficient microscopic analysis methods. Due to their unique properties, neutrons are the ideal probes for studies in condensed matter. They tell us where atoms are, what kind of spin they have and how they move. Optimized for brilliance, providing small, intensive beams for customized instruments the HBS neutron facility will intensify the use of neutron scattering and analysis to many modern scientific research questions arising from nanostructures, biological materials to systems used in energy technology or structural materials.

Current Activities

To realize HBS main research and development activities aim to improve neutron production using nuclear processes with a sophisticated target and moderator design. Based on this the brilliance of the neutron source will be maximized and any neutron loss in delivery of the obtained neutrons to the experiment will be reduced. The HBS will allow a much more flexible design and operation of neutron beam lines which will define the source parameters and performance. Main activities at current include the following topics:

• Target development
• Cold moderators
• Thermal moderators
• Neutron instrumentation
• Radiation Safety Simulations
• Radioisotope production
  

Future Prospects

Neutrons are a vital tool for scientists of many disciplines. This variety and complexity of research questions requires a network of sources for training, method development and specialization. The HBS will play a central role in this network. Within the “Strategy Paper on Neutron Research in Germany 2015 – 2045” the HBS is considered as a future national neutron source.

Contact: Thomas Gutberlet

Featured Publications

Brillante Neutronenstrahlen – Eine neue Generation von Neutronenquellen für Wissenschaft und Industrie
T. Brückel, T. Gutberlet, P. Zakalek
Physik Journal (2023), 29-35 (German only)

LENS Report on Low Energy Accelerator-driven Neutron Sources

Strategy paper of neutron research in Germany 2015 - 2045

HBS: The next-generation neutron facility

Conceptual and technical design reports for a HiCANS

Sustainable neutrons for today and tomorrow – The Jülich High Brilliance neutron Source project

T. Gutberlet, U. Rücker, E. Mauerhofer, P. Zakalek, T. Cronert, J. Voigt, J. Baggemann, J. Li, P. Doege, S. Böhm, M. Rimmler, O. Felden, R. Gebel, O. Meusel, H. Podlech, W. Barth, T. Brückel

Neutron News (2020), 31, 37-43
DOI: 10.1080/10448632.2020.1819132