HBS-I: Neutron source of the future for industry

Batteries, hydrogen technologies and semiconductors are central to the energy transition – yet until now, they have often been difficult to analyse non-destructively. The HBS-I aims to change that: with high-brightness neutrons, industry-friendly access and new opportunities for faster materials development.

Cutting-edge research focused on practical applications

This topic forms part of Forschungszentrum Jülich’s presentation at HANNOVER MESSE 2026. General information about the exhibition, the projects on display and Forschungszentrum Jülich’s stand can be found on the central landing page for the fair.

Topics and exhibits at the Forschungszentrum Jülich stand

Batteries, fuel cells and chips are at the heart of the energy transition. To develop them, industry needs deeper insights into materials and processes – ideally without destroying samples. This is precisely where the existing infrastructure reaches its limits: European neutron capacity is chronically overbooked, whilst Germany lacks a widely accessible, industry-oriented infrastructure.

A complex technical device with multiple components and cables is mounted inside a blue metallic structure. (Mistral: Pixtral Large 2411, 2026-03-20) — *Copyright:*

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich are therefore working on the HBS-I, a compact neutron source with industry-friendly access. It is designed to deliver high-brilliance neutrons – without a nuclear reactor – and thus create new possibilities for non-destructive analysis. Plans include modular instruments for tomography, diffractometry and small-angle scattering, as well as rapid beamtime approval and direct access in Jülich.

The particular advantage of neutrons lies in what other methods can only reveal to a limited extent. Whilst X-rays primarily detect heavy atoms, neutrons make lithium, hydrogen and magnetism visible. They also allow for non-destructive analysis – even during operation.

For industry, this opens up concrete applications in several key areas. In batteries, the movement of lithium within the electrode can be tracked live and without dismantling. In hydrogen systems, diffusion and storage structures can be reliably detected. In semiconductors, layer structures and interfaces within chips can be characterised non-destructively.

The HBS-I is a building block for Germany's and Europe's analytical sovereignty and for securing European technological leadership. The project has been shortlisted by Germany's Federal Ministry for Research as part of its national prioritisation process for large-scale research infrastructures. The timeline foresees design completion in 2027, the construction phase from 2028, and operation from 2034. The project welcomes industrial partners – both as construction partners and as beamtime partners.

High Brilliance neutron Source

Scientists at Jülich have developed a novel source of neutron beams. Neutrons are subatomic particles that penetrate deep into the micro- and nanoworld of matter. As valuable spy tools, they reveal the location and movement of atoms, molecules, and internal magnetic fields. The innovative HBS (High Brilliance neutron Source) could be built and put into operation within a five-year timeframe—for the benefit of science, society, and the economy.

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