Neutrons exist alongside protons in the nucleus of an atom; unlike positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons, neutrons have neutral electrical charges. From manufacturing to nuclear physics, applications involving neutrons fuel the learning and development of some of the most cutting-edge technologies and processes in use today.
The recent wealth of applications that rely on neutrons has given new importance to the production and isolation of these particles. Spallation sources and research reactors are the two most common ways to produce neutrons. Both these techniques are indispensable to the production of neutrons, as neither one alone creates neutrons that can meet all needs.
Isolating neutrons is especially essential to replace highly enriched uranium (HEU) in nuclear reactors. The U.S. has been trying to eliminate the use of HEU for years, seeking to replace it with safer low-enriched uranium (LEU) without reducing the reactor’s ability to produce energy. Funding is required not only for the research itself, but also to find the best methods to do the research.
Neutron Sources
Neutron scattering helps scientists understand new materials and how they behave, which benefits applications in medical and information technology, clean energy, environmental protection, manufacturing, archaeology, and elsewhere. Let’s take a closer look:
- Aerospace — Neutron scattering tests the strength of metals, alloys, and welds to ensure durability and safety.
- Medicine — Through neutron scattering, scientists can more accurately determine the molecular structures of proteins, cell membranes, and enzymes as well as their behavior when in contact with pharmaceuticals, helping us find drugs that may treat conditions like Alzheimer’s.
- IT — Neutron scattering can help technicians pack more gigabytes into smaller areas, create ultrasensitive sensors to read back the data, and develop new types of computer memory by creating more effective ways to determine a chip’s magnetism on an atomic scale.
However, despite the wide variety of neutron source applications, the American Physical Society (APS) has found that the U.S. has fallen behind other parts of the world in the research and development of neutron-based technologies.
According to the APS, the U.S. has only about 33% of the neutron scattering capabilities as Europe and only about half of what’s available in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States’ capacity for neutron production has fallen below the peak it reached in 1996, causing American industries and research facilities to rely on international sources if they’re to keep up with global production.
Increased Funding Will Further Scientific Progress
The U.S. still boasts two major neutron scattering facilities: the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Center for Neutron Research (part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology). However, neither the U.S. government nor private industries have put further funding in place for new facilities. If this trend continues, the U.S. is destined to fall further behind in engineering, medicine, manufacturing, and other fields.
But more than economic damage, the current lack of funding in neutron production can affect public health. The first FDA-approved virus-based cancer therapy was developed using neutron scattering. What other treatments and cures are we neglecting when we disregard neutron research?
To continue to lead on the world stage, additional funding for neutron sources is critical. The APS recommends a dramatic increase in neutron research investment to make up for lost time. This will help the U.S. maintain its position as a trailblazer in critical research as well as remain economically competitive on the world stage.
Funding Neutron Sources for the Future
The need for increased and continued funding is clear. As nuclear energy becomes increasingly important, new developments in the neutron scattering field allow international competitors to achieve technological breakthroughs in a variety of industrial and medical fields. If we don’t catch up soon, we may be permanently left behind.