“In the modern world with its rapid development in all fields of science, neutron physicists take pleasure not only in the fact that they set up beautiful experiments in the field of fundamental physics, but also that they devise and develop methods that can be useful in various scientific areas: biology, paleontology, engineering, geology, archeology, etc.,” said the chairman of the International Society of Neutron Imaging Dr. E. Lehmann (PSI, Switzerland) at the FLNP seminar held on the 18th of January, 2012.

The V.M.Nazarov’s pioneer work in the field of neutron imaging carried out in the 80s experiences a new life after the start-up of the modernized IBR-2 reactor. In FLNP the foundations for the creation of a dedicated facility have been laid down. First experiments performed during the physical and power start-up of the modernized IBR-2 reactor have demonstrated a real potential for the development of the technique at a high world level. For successful realization of this project, the experience of the European and Russian scientists should be certainly used. During the seminar Dr. M. Strobl (ESS) and Dr. K. Podurets (Kurchatov Institute) also presented their reports and expressed their opinion on the development of neutron imaging at IBR-2. The member of the PAC for Condensed Matter Physics Dr. A. Steuwer (ESS) also took part in the discussions held after the seminar. The development of this technique on pulsed neutron sources has a significant advantage over steady-state sources and is a part of the mega-project “European Spallation Source”, which is expected to be put into operation by 2019. The IBR-2 reactor is a high-flux pulsed source and may become one of the places where this technique will receive further development.

Dr. E.Lehmann during the discussion