Neutron Sciences Directorate

Neutrons are especially useful for nanotechnology and nanomaterials researchers seeking to study nuclear and magnetic structures, as well as the structure and dynamics of thin films, polymers, proteins, and nucleic acids at the nanometer length scale. Neutron scattering techniques can also easily observe the properties of adsorbed species, catalysts, hydrogen-bonded materials, and the spin dynamics of magnetic nanoparticle assemblies. These studies can be performed non-destructively under controlled environments, including extreme temperatures and pressures (up to 120 GPa), high magnetic fields, stress or shear, gas exposure, and pH.