Eur. Phys. J. Plus (2016) 131: 83
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2016-16083-9

Regular Article

Materials and neutronic research at the Low Energy Neutron Source

Center for Exploration of Energy and Matter, Physics Department, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA

Received: 27 January 2016
Accepted: 8 February 2016
Published online: 7 April 2016

Abstract

In the decade since the Low Energy Neutron Source (LENS) at Indiana University Center for Exploration of Energy and Matter (CEEM) produced its first neutrons, the facility has made important contributions to the international neutron scattering community. LENS employs a 13MeV proton beam at up to 4kW beam power onto one of two Be targets to produce neutrons for research in fields ranging from radiation effects in electronics to studies of the structure of fluids confined in nanoporous materials. The neutron source design at the heart of LENS facilitates relatively rapid hands-on access to most of its components which provides a foundation for a research program in experimental neutronics and affords numerous opportunities for novel educational experiences. We describe in some detail a number of the unique capabilities of this facility.