Neutron scattering is a powerful tool for the study of hydrogen-containing matter, particularly synthetic polymers and bio-materials. The sensitivity of neutrons to isotopes rather than atoms means the deuteron (2H) has profoundly different neutron scattering properties from, but is virtually chemically identical to the proton (1H). Polymers can therefore be synthesized from deuterated precursors and proteins can be expressed in deuterated growing media to produce materials to enhance scattering contrast. ORNL features two peer-reviewed user facilities, the Spallation Neutron Source and the High Flux Isotope Reactor. Their instruments fall into two broad classes: 1) instruments for nanostructure determination, including small-angle neutron scattering machines for bulk and reflectometers for thin-film studies, and 2) spectrometers to study molecular excitations, such as backscattering spectrometers and spin-echo machines. I will present an overview and research highlights, focusing on those instruments particularly suited to polymer and biological research.

Polymer studies at Oak Ridge National Laboratory using neutrons

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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