Neutron Imaging

What is neutron imaging?

The principle of neutron imaging is based on the attenuation from both absorption and scattering, of a directional neutron beam by the matter through which it passes. Neutron imaging is complementary to other imaging techniques such as X-rays. X-rays are scattered and absorbed by electrons, so absorption and scattering increase monotonically with atomic number. Neutrons, on the other hand, interact with nuclei and their scattering power does not vary in any regular way with atomic number. Several areas of research already benefit from neutron imaging, such as engineering, materials science, fuel cell, biological and biomedical, H2 storage, superconductors, etc. Recently, the Imaging And Neutrons IAN2006 workshop demonstrated the broad vibrant community utilizing neutron imaging for several of these applications and potential prospect for significant enhancement.

Conventionally, neutron imaging techniques have been developed at steady-state (reactor) neutron facilities. However, novel imaging techniques such as Bragg-edge imaging require the capability of wavelength selection, which is the intrinsic strength of a pulsed spallation source, such as the SNS.

SNS is the most powerful pulsed neutron source in the world and offers a variety of neutron scattering instruments supporting several areas of research including engineering, materials science, chemistry, complex fluids, disordered materials, magnetism and superconductivity, structural biology, crystalline materials and polymers. For more information on the Spallation Neutron Source, please visit our website.