The Complex, Unique, and Powerful Imaging Instrument for Dynamics (CUPI2D) at the Spallation Neutron Source (invited)

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is planning to build the Second Target Station (STS) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). STS will host a suite of novel instruments that complement the First Target Station's beamline capabilities by offering an increased flux for cold neutrons and a broader wavelength bandwidth. A novel neutron imaging beamline, named the Complex, Unique, and Powerful Imaging Instrument for Dynamics ((CUPID)-D-2), is among the first eight instruments that will be commissioned at STS as part of the construction project. (CUPID)-D-2 is designed for a broad range of neutron imaging scientific applications, such as energy storage and conversion (batteries and fuel cells), materials science and engineering (additive manufacturing, superalloys, and archaeometry), nuclear materials (novel cladding materials, nuclear fuel, and moderators), cementitious materials, biology/medical/dental applications (regenerative medicine and cancer), and life sciences (plant-soil interactions and nutrient dynamics). The innovation of this instrument lies in the utilization of a high flux of wavelength-separated cold neutrons to perform real time in situ neutron grating interferometry and Bragg edge imaging-with a wavelength resolution of delta lambda/lambda approximate to 0.3%-simultaneously when required, across a broad range of length and time scales. This manuscript briefly describes the science enabled at (CUPID)-D-2 based on its unique capabilities. The preliminary beamline performance, a design concept, and future development requirements are also presented.

Automated summary

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory plans to build the Second Target Station at the Spallation Neutron Source, which will feature a suite of novel instruments complementing the capabilities of the existing First Target Station. Among the first eight instruments to be commissioned at the Second Target Station is (CUPID)-D-2, a neutron imaging beamline designed for various scientific applications. It utilizes a high flux of wavelength-separated cold neutrons to perform real-time neutron grating interferometry and Bragg edge imaging across a broad range of length and time scales.