A project to design and construct a next generation facility for research with neutrons
The ESS will be the world’s leading neutron source, using the combination of the highest neutron intensity and novel instrumentation to provide a unique tool for research into the atomic structure and dynamics of
In autumn 2006 ESFRI published its first roadmap containing 35 mature proposals for new facilities (or major upgrades) of pan-European interest covering seven key research areas. The European Spallation Source is one of the ESFRI roadmap projects. A decision is required on the site. An ESFRI Working Group has drafted a questionnaire which the sites should respond to by the end of April 2008.
Science case The ESS will allow real time, real size, real life, in-situ neutron measurements of both static and dynamic phenomena, including movies of nano-scale events. The neutron's unique probing potential (magnetic moment, observation of hydrogen, penetration, etc.), coupled with the unprecedented step in intensity, will open the door to new types of study across a broad range of scientific fields including biological and other large molecules in solutions (e.g. folding of proteins), polymers and soft condensed matter, real scale tomography and radiography of engineering materials, solid state physics and chemistry.
EU FP7 ESS-Preparatory Phase ESS-PP is a two-year EU funded project, starting in April 2008, to carry out preparatory work towards the start of construction of ESS. The work is site independent.
Contact: Peter Tindemans and Peter Allenspach