Spallation Neutron Source (SNS)

The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is a research facility that produces intense beams of neutrons for scientific study. It works by accelerating a beam of protons to high speeds and then smashing them into a heavy target material, such as mercury. This collision causes the atoms in the target to eject neutrons—a process called spallation. These neutrons are then directed to specialized instruments for studying materials, molecules, and biological systems at the atomic level, helping researchers understand properties of materials, develop new technologies, and advance scientific knowledge.