Neutron scattering techniques are highly versatile and powerful tools for studying the structure and dynamics of condensed matter. A wide scope of problems, ranging from fundamental to solid state physics and chemistry, and from materials science to biology, medicine and environmental science, can be investigated with neutrons. In addition to scattering, non-diffractive methods like imaging techniques allows for non-destructive inspection of materials and components, providing information on their internal structure, composition, and integrity with growing relevance also for industrial applications.
The spallation neutron source SINQ is a continuous source - the first and only one of its kind in the world - with a flux of about 1014 n/cm2/s. Beside thermal neutrons, a cold moderator of liquid deuterium (cold source) slows neutrons down and shifts their spectrum to lower energies. These neutrons have proved to be particularly valuable in materials research and in the investigation of biological substances.
SINQ operates as a user facility, meaning that scientists and research groups from around the world can apply for beamtime to conduct experiments using its various neutron instruments.
Latest News
The call for proposals II-26 is open now. The proposal submission deadline will be on 15 May 2026. Please find more detailed information following the link below.
Latest Scientific Highlights and News
Vanishing ordered moment in the frustrated triangular lattice antiferromagnet CuNdO2
The steady decline of neutron imaging (NI) facilities—driven in part by the shutdown of several research reactors—has increased the need to maximize the use of existing infrastructure. In this context, a collaborative effort between PSI-CNM, PSI-NES, and EPFL-LRS has led to the development ...
Collaborative Development of a New Neutron Imaging Beamline at the Zero-Power CROCUS Reactor
The steady decline of neutron imaging (NI) facilities—driven in part by the shutdown of several research reactors—has increased the need to maximize the use of existing infrastructure. In this context, a collaborative effort between PSI-CNM, PSI-NES, and EPFL-LRS has led to the development ...
Green biomass as a sustainable source of protein
The food industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable products. Proteins from green biomass are a promising option, as a research team involving the MLZ has discovered. These can be used, for example, as stabilisers in emulsions, such as in plant-based alternatives to yogurt, milk, ice cream, or cheese.
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