HFIR

The High Flux Isotope Reactor, or HFIR, is a research reactor located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. Commissioned in 1966, HFIR is one of the highest-flux research reactors in the world. Its primary purpose is to produce isotopes for medical and industrial applications, as well as to conduct neutron scattering research.

HFIR utilizes a highly enriched uranium fuel core, which is cooled and moderated by light water. The intense neutron flux generated within the reactor core allows for the production of a variety of transuranium isotopes, such as californium-252, which are then separated and purified for distribution. These isotopes have applications in areas ranging from cancer therapy to industrial gauging and neutron radiography.

Beyond isotope production, HFIR serves as a vital facility for neutron scattering experiments. Researchers utilize the neutrons produced by the reactor to study the structure and dynamics of materials at the atomic and molecular level. This research contributes to advancements in fields like condensed matter physics, materials science, and chemistry, aiding in the development of new materials and technologies. HFIR's operational history has been extended through various upgrades and refurbishments, ensuring its continued capability as a leading research facility.