pulsed neutron sources

Pulsed neutron sources generate short bursts of neutrons—subatomic particles in atoms—rather than a continuous stream. These pulses are produced by rapidly releasing stored energy, often through nuclear reactions like those in a reactor or accelerator. The advantage is that scientists can analyze how neutrons scatter or slow down after the pulse, revealing detailed information about the materials being studied. This method is essential in research fields such as materials science, archaeology, and engineering, offering precise insights into the internal structure of objects without damaging them.