
High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)
The High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) is a research facility located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. It’s a powerful nuclear reactor designed primarily to produce specialized radioactive isotopes used in medicine, industry, and scientific research. HFIR generates a very intense neutron flux, which means it produces a large number of neutrons that can be used to study materials, test nuclear fuels, and create isotopes. It operates at a steady, controlled level of nuclear fission, ensuring safety while enabling advanced research that benefits health, energy, and technology sectors.