"Super Microscope" - China Spallation Neutron Source

Produced by: Science Popularization China

Author: Digital World

Producer: China Science Expo

Human exploration of the universe focuses not only on the vastness of space but also on the microscopic world, which led to the invention of space telescopes and optical microscopes. There are so many secrets in the material world, but if we can't even see clearly with a microscope, how can we clear the fog of the microscopic world?

“Super microscope” - China Spallation Neutron Source may be able to give us the answer.

"Super Microscope" - China Spallation Neutron Source

The China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) is the first pulsed spallation neutron source in China and the fourth in the world. It is a major scientific and technological infrastructure project that the country focused on building during the 11th Five-Year Plan period and a large-scale research platform for high-tech and multidisciplinary applications at the international forefront.

China Spallation Neutron Source

(Image source: China Spallation Neutron Source Project)

Although the China Spallation Neutron Source is the fourth spallation neutron source in the world after the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan, the power of my country's spallation neutron source is four times that of the United Kingdom. Its technical indicators and comprehensive performance are among the most advanced international devices of the same type. It also means that the Chinese scientific community has added another "weapon" to further explore the microscopic world.

To put it simply, a pulsed spallation neutron source is like a "super microscope" that can "see through" the microstructure of materials without damaging them. One of the most direct applications is that it can detect the "internal injuries" of materials, and it is naturally very capable in studying the characteristics of neutrons.

The bull's eye of the target station spectrometer of China Spallation Neutron Source

(Image source: China Spallation Neutron Source Project)

We all know that there are many things in this world that cannot be observed with the naked eye. So later, based on the need to further explore the world, scientists invented the optical microscope, and then invented the electron microscope with higher resolution that can observe smaller cells and viruses.

Before the invention of the pulsed spallation neutron source, people were accustomed to using these two types of microscopes to observe and study bacteria, cells and other microscopic worlds that cannot be directly observed with the naked eye.

The capability of the pulsed spallation neutron source is even higher than that of a microscope. The world observed through it is even more microscopic. It can even be observed with absolute clarity how a drop of water at the root of a plant is transported little by little through movement.

How does a pulsed spallation neutron source work?

Why can the pulsed spallation neutron source detect the microscopic structure and movement of matter so subtly?

In fact, neutrons are particles that have no charge at all, and they are not synchrotron-radiated using X-rays.

Whenever the atomic nucleus and neutrons of matter interact, not all neutrons can pass directly through the middle. Some neutrons will be bounced away when they try to pass through the nucleus, and their direction will deviate.

At this time, the spectrometer of the pulsed spallation neutron source will come into play, capturing the flight trajectory in time, and then inferring the internal structure of the nucleus, making it convenient for scientific researchers to conduct research.

For example, when scientists are doing research on underwater methane hydrate, because the pressure deep underwater is too great, very thick container walls are needed. Light elements such as nitrogen, carbon, and hydrogen are relatively difficult to capture. The only thing that can pass through and is sensitive to these light elements and allow the structure of methane hydrate to be clearly distinguished is a pulsed spallation neutron source.

Nowadays, my country's pulsed spallation neutron source technology has been used in various aspects such as testing the safety of high-speed trains and airplanes and treating cancer.

In addition, it plays a great role in residual stress and service performance testing of large engineering components such as aircraft engines, deep-sea submersibles, high-speed rail axle systems, as well as material testing of semiconductor chips, new energy lithium batteries and hydrogen storage materials.

So far, the China Spallation Neutron Source has achieved a large number of important results in basic scientific research and areas of major national needs, and has more than 3,400 registered users at home and abroad.

Looking forward to more achievements from this super microscope!