我国首台高能非弹性中子散射谱仪完成验收“超级相机” 为微观世界拍高清“纪录片”

Core Viewpoint - The first high-energy direct geometry inelastic neutron scattering time-of-flight spectrometer in China has been successfully accepted and put into use, marking a significant advancement in the observation of the microscopic structure and dynamic properties of materials [1][2]. Group 1: Instrument Overview - The spectrometer, developed by Sun Yat-sen University and the China Spallation Neutron Source, fills a gap in inelastic neutron scattering above 100 meV in China [1]. - It functions as a "super camera" that captures the dynamics of atomic and molecular vibrations and rotations on a picosecond timescale, providing detailed insights into the microscopic world [1]. Group 2: Scientific Applications - The instrument can measure the spatial distribution and energy changes of scattered neutrons, aiding in the study of the dynamic behavior of material microstructures and the strength of magnetic atomic correlations [2]. - In high-temperature superconductivity research, it can accurately measure spin fluctuations and phonon density of states in superconductors, providing critical experimental evidence for understanding high-temperature superconducting mechanisms [2]. - In the field of energy materials, it can measure the spatial distribution of phonon spectra in thermoelectric materials, guiding the design of higher-performance thermoelectric materials [2]. - In biomedicine, neutron scattering technology allows scientists to study the motion of biomolecules under conditions closer to physiological environments, opening new avenues for drug development [2]. Group 3: Development Process - The construction of the spectrometer began in 2019 after a strategic cooperation agreement was signed in 2017, following two years of verification and preliminary research [3]. - The development involved collaboration among multiple technical teams to overcome challenges in key components such as the neutron chopper and large vacuum scattering chamber [3]. - After more than two years of debugging, the spectrometer has achieved internationally leading performance levels and will be open for use by domestic and international researchers [3].