The spallation neutron source is taking shape

The spallation neutron source (SNS) is rapidly taking shape at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the SNS is being designed and built by six DOE laboratories: Argonne (instruments), Brookhaven (accumulator ring), Lawrence Berkeley (ion source), Los Alamos (warm linac and radio-frequency systems), Thomas Jefferson (cold linac), and Oak Ridge (target). Concrete foundations are being poured, and steel beams are piercing the sky above the ridge where the facility is being built. Instrument approval and development is progressing well, with prototypes undergoing testing and procurements beginning for approved instruments. The SNS and High Flux Isotope Reactor User Group Executive Committee are working to ensure consistent policies between the two Oak Ridge facilities. The project has sponsored and is continuing to sponsor several neutron-science-related workshops. In addition, project staff are participating in educational programs to encourage student interest in neutron science.