An overview of the planned advanced neutron-source facility

The Advanced Neutron Source (ANS), now in the conceptual design stage, will be a new user facility for neutron research, including neutron beam experiments, materials irradiation testing and materials analysis capabilities, and production facilities for transuranic and lighter isotopes. The neutron source is to be the world's highest flux beam reactor and is based on existing reactor technology to minimize safety issues. The preferred fuel, U3Si2, has been tested in operating reactors in the United States, Japan and Europe. The core is cooled, moderated and reflected by heavy water, common practice for research reactors. (orig.)