ESS
European Spallation Source
ESS will have the most powerful neutron source in the world. The research facility is currently being built in north-east Lund.
At ESS, scientists will be able to study different types of materials to understand how they are built and how they function. For example, they will be able to test biological samples to see how drugs are absorbed into the body.
Studying the smallest building blocks of materials
ESS creates a very powerful proton beam using a linear accelerator. The accelerator ensures that protons travelling at 96 percent of the speed of light hit a heavy metal, in this case tungsten. When the protons hit the tungsten, a spallation occurs, which means that the neutrons are released from the atomic nuclei of the tungsten. Scientists need the neutrons because they can penetrate materials without damaging them.
The neutrons are led to experimental stations where scientists use them to study different materials. Because neutrons can penetrate atomic nuclei without causing any damage, materials can be studied at the atomic level.
Neutrons make it easy to distinguish light elements like hydrogen from other elements. This is useful, for example, when scientists examine biological samples to see how drugs are absorbed into the body.
20 times more powerful than similar facilities
With its powerful technology, ESS will be world-leading. Initially, the proton beam will have a power of two megawatts and create a neutron beam on average 20 times more powerful than at comparable facilities.
The ESS will pave the way for future research breakthroughs in areas such as:
- Energy – for example solar cells and fuel cells
- Materials science – such as improved batteries and materials that are stronger lighter
- Medicine and health – including new medicines
- Environmental research – such as water treatment and sustainable solutions
- Transport – such as new metal mixtures.
1. Protons are released from hydrogen atoms in an ion source by ionising hydrogen using microwaves and a strong electric field.
2. The protons are accelerated to 96 percent of the speed of light in a 600-metre long linear accelerator and sent towards a rotating wheel of the heavy metal tungsten.
3. When the protons collide with the tungsten, high energy neutrons are released. This process is called spallation.
4. The neutrons are slowed down and guided to 15 different experimental stations.
5. Once the neutrons reach the experimental stations, scientists can use them to study materials at atomic level.
6. All data is sent to the ESS Data Management and Software Centre (in Denmark), where it is stored, managed and analysed by scientists.
ESS
Sweden and Denmark are the host countries of the ESS, which is a European research infrastructure consortium, the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC). The member countries are from across Europe.
- Construction and operating costs 2014–2027: EUR 3.3 billion (2013 prices)
- Construction start: 2014
- Research start: 2026–2027
- In full operation: 2028
- Estimated number of staff: 500 people (in full operation)
- Estimated number of users/visitors/researchers: 3 000 per year
- Estimated operational life: 40 years
- Estimated annual operating cost: EUR 140 million (2013 prices).