Advance Neutron Measurement Science

The NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) advances neutron measurement science in three closely connected ways.

Community Engagement

The NCNR engages industry, agencies, and academic institutions routinely to identify measurement needs. As a national user facility, NCNR routinely engages 3000+ research participants who access the facility each year. Research participants possess deep knowledge of current limitations to technology development. Other engagement methods include participation in and hosting of scientific conferences and workshops, as well as site visits to centers of technology advancement and implementation.

New Technology

Once identified, the NCNR executes research programs to develop measurement technology required to meet the need. These programs often leverage partnerships, including cooperative agreements with universities, projects within nMat, collaborative research agreements with institutions, and interagency agreements. The research supports upgrades to existing instruments, the development of new experimental capabilities, and the introduction of novel instrumentation that extends the sensitivity, precision, and applicability of neutron-based measurements.

Deploy and Provide Access

Measurement technology is then incorporated into a new or existing instrument and validated. NCNR provides access and supports the community through training and educational opportunities. In limited cases, technology relevant beyond the walls of our facility is deployed through patents, licenses, and other technology transfer tools. Access to NCNR measurement technology is offered through different access vehicles, depending on the needs of the research participants.