About the HBS

The High Brilliance neutron Source (HBS) generates neutrons using a novel principle, which has been under technical development at the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science at Forschungszentrum Jülich since 2013 and whose success was demonstrated in 2022.

All components of this novel neutron source were technically developed and tested both as prototypes and in their interaction as a complete test facility.

The facility consists of:

• a proton source. Protons are positively charged particles found in every atomic nucleus.

• a linear proton accelerator.

• a target station. The moderator slows down the neutrons released by the target. Otherwise, they would have too much energy for scientific investigations of samples in an experimental hall.

• In the facility, a piece of tantalum measuring only about 10 by 10 by 3 centimetres releases neutrons when bombarded with protons.

• measuring instruments for scientists and industry

• a unit for producing medical radioisotopes

As the first stage of implementation, the so-called HBS-I project, in collaboration with the Helmholtz Centre hereon, will establish such a facility with five instruments on the Forschungszentrum campus and make it available to users.

In its 2024 analysis, the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) strongly recommended the construction of the HBS.