NCNR

NCNR is a research center located at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Its full name is the National Center for Neutron Research. The center operates a high-flux neutron research facility, which is one of the most advanced neutron scattering facilities in the world. This facility is used by scientists from academia, industry, and government to study a wide range of materials.

Neutron scattering is a powerful technique that allows researchers to probe the structure and dynamics of materials at the atomic and molecular level. Neutrons are neutral particles, meaning they interact with matter differently than charged particles like electrons or X-rays. This allows neutrons to penetrate deeply into materials and to detect light elements, such as hydrogen, which are difficult to observe with other methods. The NCNR facility houses a suite of instruments that utilize neutrons to perform various types of experiments, including diffraction, spectroscopy, and imaging.

Scientists at the NCNR conduct research in diverse fields such as condensed matter physics, materials science, chemistry, biology, and engineering. The data obtained from neutron scattering experiments helps to advance fundamental scientific understanding and to develop new materials and technologies. Examples of research areas include studying the properties of superconductors, investigating the structure of proteins and DNA, developing new catalysts for chemical reactions, and characterizing advanced manufacturing processes. The facility is a national user facility, meaning that researchers from all over the United States can apply to use its resources.