HBS - High Brilliant Neutron Source

A next-generation, high-brilliance, accelerator-driven neutron source for science and industry is to be created at Jülich. Behind this is a paradigm shift and novel concept for a compact accelerator-driven neutron source that bridges the gap between laboratory-oriented small-scale neutron sources such as neutron generators or accelerator-based sources with low power (<1 kW) and reactor-based sources with high flux or spallation neutron sources. A new way of thinking about the production of neutrons, optimising the brilliance of the source and a more efficient use of neutrons will create a unique infrastructure for neutron analysis in the heart of Europe, which can be used in a variety of scientific disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, geology, materials science and engineering.

Together with the JCNS, the prototype of the high-brilliance neutron source (HBS) was developed and put into trial operation. Many technical challenges had to be overcome for its realisation and it required research and development in areas such as the accelerator system, the target and moderator reflector system and the cold moderator in order to install the components designed at ZEA-1 (moderator development, development of modular shielding, target and handling tool) on schedule. Neutrons are a vital tool for scientists of many disciplines. This variety and complexity of research questions requires a network of sources for training, method development and specialisation. The HBS will play a central role in this network. Within the "Strategy Paper on Neutron Research in Germany 2015 - 2045" the HBS is considered as a future national neutron source.