The first scientific results from ANSTO's new OPAL reactor were produced yesterday following tests on one of the seven new neutron beam instruments called Echidna.
Dr Rob Robinson, Head of ANSTO’s Bragg Institute, said the test was a huge milestone in the progression to full operations at OPAL.
“This is the first neutron-diffraction pattern produced from OPAL which shows the silicon and oxygen structure of sand from a local beach,” he said. “It is a very exciting step in the commissioning process of our new neutron beam instruments which will allow us to conduct neutron scattering research.
“Neutron scattering is cutting edge science used to investigate a wide range of materials such as polymers, emulsions, geological samples, alloys, superconductors, ceramics and biological molecules like proteins and membranes,” said Dr Robinson. “It is therefore an incredibly useful tool for helping us to understand the structure of materials and how these can be affected by properties such as heat and pressure.
“Neutrons are also particularly useful in finding the right manufacturing process engine components or the novel methods of drug delivery.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for Australian science,” he said. “Once OPAL is fully operational and our instruments are up and running, Australia will be on its way to becoming one of the top neutron beam research facilities in the world.
“Congratulations are due in particular to one scientist Klaus-Dieter Liss, who has led the construction effort on ECHIDNA, the instrument we used for the experiment as well as many others throughout ANSTO who have made this possible,” concluded Dr Robinson.
Published: 19/12/2006