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BT2 NIF
instrument purpose
To provide high-resolution, non-destructive 2D and 3D visualization of internal structures and fluid dynamics in complex engineered and natural systems.
The NCNR Advantage
- Simultaneous Multi-Modal Imaging (NeXT): The world’s first system to offer truly simultaneous neutron and X-ray tomography. This allows researchers to decouple light elements (like hydrogen in water) and heavy elements (like metal casing) in a single experimental run.
- Unrivaled Hydrogen Sensitivity: Optimized for the thermal neutron spectrum, BT-2 is uniquely capable of "seeing" water or fuel moving inside solid metal engines, fuel cells, or geological rock cores.
- High-Speed Operando Studies: Provides one of the highest thermal neutron intensities in North America, enabling real-time "movies" of dynamic processes, such as a battery charging or a fuel cell in operation.
Credit:
NIST
Research Domains
- Energy Conversion: Operando imaging of hydrogen fuel cells, electrolyzers, and lithium-ion battery degradation.
- Geosciences & Civil Engineering: Tracking fluid flow in porous rocks (shales) and moisture migration in concrete or soil.
- Manufacturing & Aerospace: Non-destructive inspection of additive manufacturing parts and lubricant distribution in small engines.
- Biological Systems: Imaging root-soil interactions and water transport in plants.
What You Can Measure
- Fluid Mapping: 3D distribution of water, oil, or gas within solid matrices.
- Structural Integrity: Identification of internal cracks, voids, and manufacturing defects.
- Simultaneous Composition: Using NeXT to distinguish between different material phases (e.g., separating liquid water from ice or metal oxidation).
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Source Type | Thermal Neutrons (Beam Tube 2) |
| Beam Diameter | Up to 26 cm (Field of View) |
| L/D Ratio (Resolution) | Adjustable from 100 to 6000 (standard is 600) |
| Spatial Resolution | 10 μm (high-res) to 250 μm |
| X-ray Peak Energy | 225 keV (Tungsten anode microfocus tube) |
| Fluence Rate | ~5.1 x 107 n/cm2/s (15 cm Bi filter at L=2m) ~1.7 x 107 n/cm2/s (standard position, L=6m) |
Specialized Sample Environments
- Fuel Cell Test Stands: Integrated infrastructure for gas delivery (H2, Air, N2), humidity control, and electrochemical load management. Click here for test stand specifications.
- Simultaneous X-ray Integration: The X-ray tube is oriented 90° to the neutron beam, allowing for synchronized 4D (spatial + temporal) data collection. Click here for further details.
- Fluid Delivery: ISCO syringe pumps for high-precision pressure (up to 7500 psi) and flow rate control in geological experiments.
- Heavy Duty Stages: Capable of supporting and rotating samples up to 230 kg (500 lbs).
Expertise & Support
- The Imaging Team: Lead scientists specialize in "inverse problems" and advanced image reconstruction, ensuring users get quantitative data, not just pretty pictures.
- Data Analysis Suite: Access to NIST-developed software for Volume Registration (aligning neutron and X-ray datasets) and Bivariate Histogram Segmentation.
- Industrial Partnerships: Significant expertise in automotive and energy sectors (e.g., long-standing collaborations with DOE and major OEMs).
Access & Resources
Planning Tools
Live Data
Submit a Proposal
Instrument Contacts
jacob.lamanna [at] nist.gov (jacob[dot]lamanna[at]nist[dot]gov)
(301) 975-6809
david.jacobson [at] nist.gov (david[dot]jacobson[at]nist[dot]gov)
(301) 975-6207
eli.baltic [at] nist.gov (eli[dot]baltic[at]nist[dot]gov)
(301) 975-4842
daniel.hussey [at] nist.gov (daniel[dot]hussey[at]nist[dot]gov)
(301) 975-6465
Created June 9, 2026, Updated August 27, 2026