Research and Application Progress of Neutron Science in China Advanced Research Reactor

The neutron science platform based on high-flux neutron sources constitutes a national major science and technology infrastructure (a large-scale scientific facility). It plays a crucial supporting role in fundamental sciences such as physics, chemistry, materials, and biology, as well as applied fields including mechanical engineering, energy source and environment, information technology, quantum science, and medicine and human health. It serves as a significant indicator of a nation’s overall scientific and technological strength. Leveraging the China Advanced Research Reactor (CARR), which boasts the highest neutron flux in ASIA and the third highest globally, the China Institute of Atomic Energy has established a neutron science platform equipped with multiple advanced neutron spectrometers. It can conduct comprehensive research utilizing neutron scattering, neutron imaging, and neutron activation analysis, making it one of China’s three major neutron scattering research centers. As a major national science and technology infrastructure, the CARR neutron science platform has achieved remarkable progress in both fundamental research and industrial applications. In 2023, the CARR neutron science platform officially opened to global users and currently serves multiple user institutions. In addressing national strategic needs, it has completed research on critical components including nuclear fuel elements, novel zirconium alloys, reactor pressure vessels, aero-engine blades, rocket sleeves, and high-speed train wheels, providing essential data for advancements in related fields. In fundamental research, it has conducted studies across multiple disciplines such as battery materials, superconductivity, magnetism, archaeology, and geology. The CARR neutron science platform was mainly introduced in multi-disciplinary cross-research and neutron technology development. The application of neutron non-destructive testing technology in industrial fields has become increasingly widespread and in-depth. Countries such as those in Europe and America have established it as a standard practice for non-destructive evaluation of critical materials and components in aerospace, nuclear energy, rail transportation, and other sectors. To keep pace with global trends in neutron non-destructive testing and meet the urgent demand for neutron analysis technology driven by China’s nuclear energy development, aerospace advancement, and other major frontiers, the key focus areas for future platform development also outlined in this paper.