The SNS Facility
SNS offers unprecedented
performance for neutron-scattering
research with the most intense pulsed
neutron beams in the world. To realize
the potential this offers for research
in many fields, a world-class suite
of instruments is being developed
that makes optimal use of the SNS
beams and that is suited to the needs
of users across a broad range of
disciplines. Instruments will be
available to researchers with varying
degrees of experience, from new graduate
students and first-time neutron users
to experienced users with an interest
in instrument design.
An initial suite
of instruments is available through
a peer-reviewed proposal system.
About 75% of the beam time on this
instrument suite is available through
the proposal system, with the remaining
25% for use by in-house scientific
staff, for testing and calibration,
for feasibility studies by users
before submission of proposals, and
for rapid response experiments that
occur outside the regular proposal
schedule. Current instrument
status is available on the SNS
Instrument Systems page.
This instrument suite is
allowing the development of core technologies
such as choppers, data acquisition
systems, and control software that
will form the basis for similar systems
in other instruments. These systems
will be standardized where appropriate
to simplify use and maintenance and
to reduce costs.
Full "target-to-detector"
computer simulation is being developed
to optimize and integrate target
and instrument design. In many
cases, SNS will require instrument
technologies beyond the current
state of the art. Consequently,
our construction budget for instruments
is supplemented by a significant
R&D program, which will allow development
of new technologies that will form
the basis for the initial instrument
suite and provide room for growth.
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