The development of neutron beams for materials science

Abstract The object of experiments undertaken using neutron scattering is traced as progressing from an understanding of the neutron as a probe, to an understanding of solids and liquids of importance to nuclear reactor design, through to the fundamental understanding of condenced matter and eventually to the problems of industry. The unique information given by neutron beams in the applied field is illustrated by examples from recent research at Harwell on metallurgy, fast ion conductors, nuclear fuels and colloid chemistry. An ideal neutron instrument for materials research in the future is suggested.