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Neutron Methods |
Contact: Patrick Gallagher The NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) is the premier neutron research center in the United States in terms of breadth of capabilities, scope of projects, and number of users. Current areas of emphasis in the multidisciplinary research program include: studies of the structure and excitations of high-technology magnetic and superconducting materials, thin films, and multilayers; crystallographic analysis of the atomic and molecular arrangements in catalysts, ceramics, superconductors, and alloys; neutron diffraction analysis of residual stress and texture which affect properties and performance of important industrial metallic, ceramic, and composite structures and components; studies by neutron reflectometry and small angle scattering (SANS) of macromolecular and microstructures in materials and of polymer, magnetic, and chemical surfaces and interfaces; inelastic neutron scattering studies of molecular bonding states and dynamic processes in chemical catalysts, sieves, polymers and fuel cell materials, and molecular scale curing processes in cements; and studies of biomolecular structure and dynamics in proteins, lipid bilayers, and membranes. Researchers in the
NCNR also develop and guide partnerships with other government agencies,
universities, and the private sector. These partnerships include the NIST/NSF
Center for High Resolution Neutron Scattering, which serves a broad national
research community in the application of cold neutrons in materials research,
chemistry and biology; the NIST/Exxon/U. Minn. high-resolution small angle
scattering spectrometer for key studies in macromolecular science and
technology, and major cooperative research agreements with the University
of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University to advance next-generation neutron
research and measurement capabilities for the nation. The NCNR is also
a partner in a new National Institutes of Health-funded consortium of
five universities (University of California-Irvine, University of Pennsylvania,
Rice University, Carnegie-Mellon University and Duke University) to advance
cold neutron measurement technology and research on the structure of membranes
and other low-dimensional biological assemblages.
Date
created:
August 17, 2001 |