Neutron beams are a type of non-destructive radiation, with properties that make them an extremely versatile and unique analytical probe.

Neutrons are a powerful tool for investigating Nature at all levels, from testing theories about the evolution of the Universe to elucidating the complex processes of life.

The ILL offers experimental facilities and expertise covering all these areas.

Over the years, with the invention of ingenious techniques and more precise instruments, experiments using neutrons have been able to explore an ever-increasingly broad range of scientific problems.

Ground-breaking experiments at the very frontier of current research are carried out using the ILL facilities in fields as far apart as molecular biology, chemistry, fundamental physics, materials science and environmental studies.

Today, if neutrons can complement other sources of radiation, they also excel in a number of domains and are ensured a unique place at the forefront of modern scientific research.

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The selection of scientific highlights reported in the different thematic sections - extracted from the ILL scientific brochures - gives a flavour of what can be achieved with neutrons in the study of condensed matter.