I RUN 2026
Neutron is a powerful particle for the study of materials in both fundamental and technological research using neutron beams. Due to their properties as particles, neutrons allow the study of the atomic structure and dynamics of materials, and from the scattering of neutrons in matter, a wide range of technical information can be obtained.
In countries with advanced technology the use of neutron beams, in basic and technological research, is widespread, as there are several laboratories associated with nuclear research reactors and spallation sources built for this specific purpose.
In Brazil, techniques using neutron beams are carried out at the IEA-R1 nuclear research reactor in São Paulo, but they are quite limited due to the technical characteristics of the reactor, which has a low neutron flux in the existing beams. However, the prospect of using neutron beams in Brazil becomes very promising with the implementation of the Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor (RMB), which will have a Neutron Beam Laboratory (LFN) with technical characteristics like the main laboratories in the world.
In the current situation, Brazilian researchers go to foreign countries to carry out their experiments with neutron beams. In particular, the UK's ISIS Neutron and Muon Source has established a project granted by the UK International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), which provided Brazilian researchers not only with beamtime, across its various measurement instruments, but also training and seminars on neutron beam techniques.
Through the technical collaboration between RMB and ISIS, the possibility arises to increase the number of Brazilian researchers using neutron beams in their research, initially abroad, but in the future at Brazilian facilities within the RMB.
The main goal of IRUN (First Neutron Users Meeting) was to bring together experts and Brazilian researchers, who already use neutron beams, to share their experiences and future perspectives in their fields of work. This initiative will become permanent, on an annual base cycle, allowing for the growth and maturation of the national community in the use of neutron beams, as well as serving as a guiding basis for the implementation of the LFN at RMB.
This publication reports the organization, activities and technical works presented during the IRUN, aiming to show the size of this emerging community, the various technical areas of application, and the high potential to contribute to the Brazilian Science, Development and Innovation system.
Dr. José Augusto Perrotta
Technical consultant and founder of RMB project
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