A once in a lifetime photo opportunity will present itself this week when over 500 of the world’s leading physicists, chemists and engineers will visit ANSTO’s new OPAL reactor to view progress of its Neutron Beam Guide Hall, where installation of new state-of-the-art neutron beam instruments has just commenced.
The event is unique because it will be the ONLY time such a large scientific group will ever congregate in the Guide Hall as this will not be possible once instruments commence operation.
The visit allows ANSTO to introduce these potential world users to its new neutron beam facilities which will let scientists gain more detailed atomic and molecular understanding of organic and inorganic materials than is currently possible.
By attaining such knowledge, areas like pharmaceuticals and new industrial materials development can be significantly impacted on.
Dr Robert Robinson, Head of the Bragg Institute, which operates ANSTO’s neutron beam facilities, said OPAL will provide Australian and international scientists with access to world-class neutron science facilities and meet an extensive range of scientific needs.
“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.”
Published: 23/11/2005