SYSU-developed inelastic neutron spectrometer commissioned

On November 16, China's first high-energy direct-geometry inelastic neutron scattering time-of-flight spectrometer, an instrument for observing the structure and dynamic properties of matter at the microscopic level, has passed official acceptance review. The instrument is jointly developed by Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) and the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with SYSU leading the critical research and construction efforts..

On November 16, a ceremony marking the handover of China's first high-energy direct-geometry inelastic neutron scattering time-of-flight spectrometer is held at the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS).

If conventional scientific instruments are likened to the human eye, the spectrometer acts as a super-powered camera with extraordinary capabilities. It can capture the static structure of materials and track atomic and molecular movements at a picosecond, or one-trillionth of a second, according to the university based in south China's Guangdong Province.

A key advantage of the spectrometer lies in its use of neutrons, which have no electrical charge and a high penetration power. This allows the device to detect microscopic motions directly. When neutrons undergo "inelastic collisions" with atomic nuclei, changes in their speed and direction provide scientists with clues about internal material dynamics.

The equipment is expected to provide information on microstructure dynamics, involving fields such as high-temperature superconductivity, quantum magnetism and ion diffusion, serving scientists across multiple disciplines, including physics, chemistry and biology.

The development journey began in 2017 when SYSU and IHEP signed a cooperation agreement to construct the facility at CSNS. Following its official inauguration in November 2023, the project entered an accelerated phase of module commissioning and rigorous refinement. Through over two years of dedicated work, the SYSU team successfully achieved a dramatic reduction in background noise, resulting in all performance indicators meeting world-leading standards.

This technological breakthrough is monumental as it fills a critical gap in China’s high-energy inelastic neutron scattering capabilities. It stands as a powerful testament to the collaborative prowess and technical expertise of SYSU’s research team in rapidly advancing national scientific infrastructure.