Neutron Vision at Los Alamos: Exploring the Frontiers of Nuclear Materials Science

February 14, 2025, 2:58PMNuclear NewsAlexander Long and Sven Vogel

Beamline scientist Sven Vogel installs a highly radioactive post-irradiated nuclear fuel sample into the sample chamber on Flight Path 4 (HIPPO) at the Lujan Center. The sample chamber is equipped with a robotic arm capable of precisely positioning and orienting samples within the pulsed thermal neutron beam originating from the spallation target. This advanced setup enables simultaneous neutron diffraction and Bragg-edge imaging, allowing researchers to analyze the structural and microstructural properties of irradiated nuclear fuels under controlled conditions. (Photo: LANL)

In materials science, understanding the unseen—how materials behave internally under real-world conditions—has always been key to developing new materials and accelerating innovative technologies to market. Moreover, the tools that allow us to see into this invisible world of materials have often been game-changers. Among these, neutron imaging stands out as a uniquely powerful method for investigating the internal structure and behavior of materials without having to alter or destroy the sample. By harnessing the unique properties of neutrons, researchers can uncover the hidden behavior of materials, providing insights essential for advancing nuclear materials and technologies.

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