On November 8, 2024, scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) announced a significant breakthrough in neutron production by successfully operating a neutron production system for 1,250 hours using a 1.7-megawatt proton beam. This achievement took place at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), where short proton pulses are directed onto a steel-mercury target to generate intense neutron beams. Jens Dilling, an experimental nuclear physicist at ORNL, hailed this accomplishment as remarkable, emphasizing the critical role neutrons play in studying materials and advancing research across various fields, including energy, security, and transportation [2136650b].
The Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) project, initiated in 2018, aims to enhance the SNS's proton beam power further. Plans include developing a 2.0-megawatt-capable mercury target and establishing a future Second Target Station (STS) to significantly increase neutron production capacity. Following this recent success, the U.S. Department of Energy is set to review the PPU project, which is expected to bolster the laboratory's capabilities in neutron research [2136650b].
This development aligns with ongoing efforts in the U.S. to advance scientific research and innovation, particularly in the realm of neutron scattering techniques. The ability to produce neutrons efficiently is crucial for a variety of applications, from materials science to energy research, highlighting the importance of facilities like the SNS in supporting national and global scientific endeavors [2136650b].