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The Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) Center opened in 1977 with a heavy-element target that produces neutrons when hit with the proton beam, a process called spallation. Spalled off neutrons are directed to tunnels called flight paths for use in various experiments, including: studying radiation effects, obtaining nuclear data for weapons design, or mimicking the neutron spectra in the atmosphere from cosmic rays. This latter capability supports industry partners in analyzing the impact of cosmic radiation on electronics such as airplane components, high-performance computers, and medical devices.
1977 WNR
1977 WNR
1985 Lujan
In 1985 LAMPF opened the Los Alamos Neutron Scattering Center, now known as the Lujan Center (in honor of New Mexico politician Manuel Lujan Jr.), which includes a proton storage ring (PSR) to compress proton pulses from 750 microseconds to a quarter of one microsecond. The Lujan Center houses a tungsten spallation target and uses liquids to moderate, or slow, the neutrons for seven different flight paths. Answering basic science questions about the origins of the universe, characterizing unstable nuclei in materials for clean energy, and elucidating the crystalline structure of transition metals for use in computers, are just a few examples of work at the Lujan Center.
1985 Lujan
1972 LINAC
LAMPF first achieved 800 MeV on June 9, 1972. Scientists used the intense linear accelerator (LINAC) beam to produce pi-mesons, or pions, and their decay products (muons, electrons, and muon neutrinos). Studying these subatomic particles enabled scientists to probe the fundamentals of the spin-orbit force and the symmetries and dynamics of the Standard Model of particle physics. In addition, taking advantage of the fact that protons can be used to create new isotopes, the Lab began producing difficult-to-obtain radioisotopes for use in medical diagnostics and treatments.
1972 LINAC
2005 UCN
The Ultracold Neutron Facility (UCN) employs a solid deuterium crystal to cool neutrons by one million billion-fold, so that they move at speeds of only a few meters per second. Ultracold neutrons can be completely confined by magnetic fields and gravity for minutes at a time. With this capability, in 2021 Lab scientists measured the neutron lifetime, cutting the uncertainty of the previous best measurements in half.
2005 UCN
1997 pRad
Proton radiography (pRad) was developed at LANSCE in the late 1990s as a new way to image explosions. Using magnets as lenses to focus the protons, and with the full strength of the proton beam, an image can be produced every 100-200 nanoseconds. These images can be stitched together into extraordinary “motion pictures.” In the absence of nuclear testing, these images are critical to the Laboratory’s mission of maintaining the nation’s stockpile by giving scientists valuable data on detonation and how materials perform at various ages and stages.
1997 pRad
2004 IPF
In 2004, LANSCE opened the Isotope Production Facility (IPF) to make isotopes for use in the fields of medicine, fundamental nuclear physics, national security, environmental science, and more. Normally, once a method to produce a sought-after isotope has been refined by the Lab, the method transitions to industry for mass production. However, in early 2020 when many industries were offline due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the IPF stepped up production to keep critical medical isotopes in ample supply
2004 IPF
PSR
Modern underground beamline
Spallation
PSR