The use of pulsed spallation neutrons in applied condensed matter research

The use of proton accelerators to produce beams of pulsed neutrons has significantly extended the condensed matter science which can be tackled using neutron scattering. Not only has the power of existing methods been extended, but new scientific areas have been opened up in chemistry, physics, biology, materials and Earth sciences. Examples are given which capitalise on the particular characteristics of pulsed neutron beams, with the emphasis on elastic neutron scattering techniques. As the experience of the user community continues to expand, and as the potential of pulsed sources, which is only just beginning to be explored, is developed further, new science both in the pure and applied areas is expected. (orig.)