Neutron scattering science at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)

Neutron scattering science at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is being applied to a number of fields in the scientific and industrial research communities. The 10MW research reactor HIFAR at the ANSTO research laboratories has a suite of neutron scattering instruments including a medium and a high resolution powder diffractometer; a small angle neutron scattering facility; a single crystal diffractometer; a polarised neutron spectrometer, and a triple axis spectrometer. A reflectometer suitable for solids and liquids is under development. These instruments are being used to investigate problems in chemistry, materials science, physics, engineering and biology. The HIFAR research reactor is now forty years old and approaching the end of its useful life certainly as a source for leading-edge neutron scattering science. Therefore by 2005, HIFAR will be replaced with a modern multi-purpose research reactor. The contract for the design and construction of the replacement research reactor has recently been signed. The experimental and analysis equipment associated with a modern research reactor will permit the establishment of a national centre for world class neutron science research focussed on the structure and functioning of materials, industrial irradiations and analyses in support of Australian manufacturing, minerals, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals and information science industries. A brief overview will be presented of all the instruments available on the HIFAR reactor with emphasis on the small angle neutron scattering facility. A description of the replacement research reactor and the planned neutron scattering instruments will also be presented. (author)