Neutron Scattering at HIFAR—Glimpses of the Past

• Main Author: Margaret Elcombe
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2017-04-01
• Series: Quantum Beam Science
• Subjects: neutron scattering; HIFAR; history
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2412-382X/1/1/5

This article attempts to give a description of neutron scattering down under for close on forty-six years. The early years describe the fledgling group buying parts and cobbling instruments together to its emergence as a viable neutron scattering group with up to ten working instruments. The second section covers the consolidation of this group, despite tough higher level management. The Australian Science and Technology Council (ASTEC) enquiry in 1985 and the Government decision not to replace the HIgh Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR), led to major expansion and upgrading of the existing neutron beam facilities during the 1990s. Finally, there were some smooth years of operation while other staff were preparing for the replacement reactor. It has concentrated on the instruments as they were built, modified, replaced with new ones, and upgraded at different times.