The Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics (FLNP) develops an ambitious comprehensive scientific programme of studies of the neutron as an elementary particle and its application in nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, and other modern trends of applied research.
The main topics in nuclear physics are the following: studies of neutron properties and physics of ultracold nuclear reactions under the influence of neutrons, fundamental, applied and methodical research, elaboration and development of neutron and other ionizing radiation detectors.
The fundamental and applied research in condensed matter physics conducted at the laboratory is aimed at the studies of the structure and dynamics of condensed matter, structural-optical properties, morphology of the condensed matter surface, accumulation of new data on microscopic properties of the studied systems (strong correlated electron systems, low-dimensional systems, heterostructures, polymers, colloid systems, biological objects, nanomaterials, rocks, minerals, etc.), measurement of internal stress in 3D materials and products, experimental checking of theoretical predictions and models, discovery of new regularities.
Currently, 5 main facilities operate at FLNP. The main facility of the laboratory is the IBR-2 pulsed fast neutron reactor, which, after modernisation, retains its parameters at a global level and is the only facility of this class in the world. The reactor is equipped with a complex of spectrometers for conducting a wide range of research in relevant areas of nuclear physics and condensed matter physics. A wide user programme is deployed on the reactor’s spectrometers, giving all interested scientists time for conducting experiments and highly qualified support from leading FLNP specialists on a competitive basis.
The IREN resonance neutron source, where neutrons are generated by the interaction of an electron beam with a tungsten target, is designed to solve a wide range of problems in fundamental and applied nuclear physics. The facility is designed for conducting research using the time-of-flight method in the neutron energy range from dozens of meV to dozens of keV, and for studying photonuclear reactions.
Work is being carried out on the TANGRA facility using the tagged neutron method with an ING-27 neutron generator equipped with a built-in alpha-particle detector, and various multi-detector systems for registering gamma quanta and neutrons produced in reactions with 14.1 MeV neutrons. Fundamental research on the interaction of fast neutrons with nuclei is conducted, and applied tasks aimed at developing the methodology of non-destructive elemental analysis are solved.
The EG-5 electrostatic accelerator, based on a Van de Graaff generator, is used for generating fast neutrons in the energy range up to 5.5 MeV and for conducting various kinds of applied research.
The CARS multimodal optical platform allows for spectroscopy and microscopy of various materials based on spontaneous and stimulated Raman scattering. This is an effective analytical method and tool widely used in various fields of natural and applied sciences.
The laboratory successfully collaborates with the Institute of Space Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the development and creation of detectors for neutrons, gamma quanta, and charged particles for spacecraft. The high-energy neutron detectors HEND and LEND operate on NASA orbital vehicles; the DAN instrument, operating onboard the Curiosity rover, is part of the Mars Science Laboratory.
