Spallaatiolähteitä

Spallaatiolähteitä refers to a Finnish term that translates to "spallation sources." These are facilities designed to produce neutrons through a process called nuclear spallation. In spallation, high-energy particles, typically protons, are accelerated and directed at a heavy metal target, such as tungsten or mercury. The impact of these protons causes the target nuclei to break apart, releasing a large number of neutrons.

The neutrons produced by spallation sources are often used for scientific research. They can be employed in various experimental techniques, including neutron scattering, which allows scientists to study the structure and dynamics of materials at the atomic and molecular level. These studies are crucial for understanding the properties of materials, developing new technologies, and advancing fundamental physics.

Spallation sources are powerful tools for research in fields such as condensed matter physics, materials science, chemistry, and biology. They provide a more intense neutron flux compared to traditional nuclear reactors used for neutron generation, enabling experiments that would otherwise be impossible. Examples of such facilities include the European Spallation Source (ESS) under construction in Sweden and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States. The development and operation of these sources represent significant investments in scientific infrastructure, aiming to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.