We, Materials Sciences Research Center is a world leading group of experts of material research by using neutron and photon beams. We are engaged in development and study of cutting-edge technology of neutron and synchrotron radiation X-ray instruments, related devices and analysis techniques.By utilizing these methods, we are carrying out material science research in a wide range, from basic research cintributing to the advancement of human knowledge to social implementations those benefit to social life.

Both neutrons and photons interact with atoms, molecules, and electrons, which are the microscopic units of the matter in the world. Therefore, they are excellent proves to access directly to the microscopic nature of the materials in-side, such as structures and compositions of atoms and molecules of matter, and their dynamics. The electronic structure also can be proven. As a probe, neutron and photon have different aspects. For example, neutrons are sensitive to light elements, can be interact with magnetic fields, which are less suitable to photons, and photons can observe the state of electrons that cannot be seen with neutrons. By combining of both probs, we can widen and deepen our investigation on materials.

We are utilizing both neutrons and photons. Therefore, Materials Sciences Research Center has two campuses: the Nuclear Science Research Institute (Tokai area), and Harima SR Radioisotope Laboratory (Harima area) in SPring-8. Based on these campuses, we are operating instruments at the high-performance research reactor, JRR-3 in the Tokai area, and those at the third-generation synchrotron light source, SPring-8 in Harima area. Not only instruments, but also supplemental laboratories we have in both sites. Our works on instrumentations are being carried out based on these two campuses. Our material researches are also carried out mainly in these campuses, but we are also visiting other neutron and synchrotron radiation facilities when we feel it needed to complete our researches. Materials Sciences Research Center is a group of experts of material research utilizing both neutron and photon beams, and we are committing any of researches and technical developments related to both of excellent probs.

After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, our neutron source, JRR-3 had been suspended its operation for 10 years due to equipment renewal aimed at conforming to new regulatory standards, earthquake resistance construction, and performance improvement. Finally, the reactor resumed its operation in 2020 and user program restarted from 2021. During the shut-down period of JRR-3, we maintained and upgraded our neutron instruments. Now, we get back our half of resource of research. We already have achieved results from our experiments done on instruments at JRR-3, such as battery materials and magnetic devices. Even now, in order to produce further research results, we are advancing the sophistication of the equipment to respond to the latest experimental themes.

At the Harima campus, our Harima SR Radioisotope Laboratory is the only synchrotron radiation facility in Japan, where we can handle nuclear fuel materials. In order to engage in scientific research to understand the properties of fuel debris from a damaged nuclear power plant, which is essential for the ongoing decommissioning work, such a facility is indispensable. That is one of our unique opportunities. Our variety of experimental stations at our two beam lines provide ability of covering wide range of materials research from fundamental studies in the field of chemistry and solid-state physics to industrial applications.

We are also collaborating with various research institutes both in Japan and overseas. By all means, as a group of specialists in measurement methods using neutron beams and synchrotron radiation, the Materials Sciences Research Center are continuing carrying out development of neutron and photon beam measurement technologies, and material research using them. As our result, JAEA will continue to play a role in society by striving to develop the frontiers of human knowledge and implement the results in society. We hope that you will continue to look forward to the results that will be created by the Materials Sciences Research Center, and we ask for your continued support and encouragement.

April 1, 2023
Director General NAKAJIMA Kenji