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return to Materials Science Analysis main page Deepening our understanding of matter and energy
Materials Science Capabilities
Condensed Matter Investigations
The neutron has unique properties that make it one of the most important probes for the study of condensed matter. Applications range from solid state physics to chemistry to biology and materials science. Important properties include the scattering amplitudes, which are substantial for light elements as well as heavy elements, making it possible to observe all of the atoms in a crystal with good precision and contrast between nearby elements in the periodic chart. In addition, the neutron's magnetic moment makes it sensitive to the arrangement of magnetic atoms in solids. Finally, the energy of the neutron is comparable to lattice vibrations or magnetic excitations in solids, allowing for their study by measuring the change in neutron energy after interaction (inelastic scattering).

Instrument Development
MURR has developed state-of-the-art instruments to take advantage of these possibilities, especially through the use of novel tools of focusing neutron optics and position sensitive detection of the scattered neutrons. These tools have led to some very high performance instruments, competitive with those at much higher flux neutron sources. Neutron scattering studies at MURR are supplemented with complementary tools and techniques as well.

The following pages describe the instruments and the techniques:
The MURR staff is available to assist users with appropriate experiments.
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MURR Introduction to the nation's premier university research reactor MURR Research and Development--R&D at the nation's premier university research reactor MURR Education--training tomorrow's nuclear scientists, engineers and technicians MURR Products and Services--providing quality nuclear products and services to a global community MURR Center homepage MURR Center homepage MURR Operations--safe and reliable University of Missouri-Columbia homepage MURR Site Map


MURR Relicensing
The reactor is in the process of relicensing for another 20 years of nuclear-based research, education and medical and other applications. Check here for project updates.


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Last updated August 2008