News

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals an unexpected transition between two different insulator states. Neutron diffractometry experiments at the ILL, conducted on the D2B high-resolution, two-axis diffractometer, open up the path towards advanced technologies by providing vital insights into the complex electronic behavior of such materials.

Last week, the very first team of users has been performing experiments on the SHARPER instrument at the ILL.

A recent study, published in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, and conducted at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), utilised polarised neutron scattering on the D33 instrument to explore skyrmions. This research provided crucial microscopic insights into these magnetic structures. The D33 instrument's unique ability to combine high magnetic fields and  polarised neutrons was essential for understanding skyrmion phase transitions. The findings  can enhance the development of skyrmion-based spintronic devices, which promise lower energy consumption and higher data storage efficiency. The study's methodologies can be applied to other magnetic materials, aiding in the discovery of new phenomena and the development of advanced magnetic materials.

More than a century after the discovery of the atomic nucleus, no universal model can yet reliably predict its properties as the numbers of protons and neutrons change. Exotic nuclei – highly unstable and complex systems with unique properties – challenge and extend current nuclear theory. An additional piece of the puzzle was recently provided from the combination of experimental results from two leading international facilities and advanced theoretical calculations.

The ILL Science Strategy outlines the approach to leverage on the extensive instrument and facility upgrades. Elaborated in collaboration with external experts, it provides a vision for scientific operation for the coming decade.

ITM Isotope Technologies Munich SE (ITM) and the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL), today announced an extension of their collaboration for medical radioisotope production, originally established in 2009.

ILL's instruments play a crucial role in disentangling complex protein crystallisation pathways.

From 2 to 5 June 2025, the Journées de la Diffusion Neutronique (JDN) brought together the French neutron scattering community for a lively edition by the shores of the Annecy lake.

T3, the new polarised cold neutron reflectometer developed by the Neutron Optics Service at the ILL, in strict collaboration with the Design and Calculations Service, is now fully operational. Congratulations and a big thank you to everyone involved in making this project a success!

Ionic conduction is a key processes in energy materials. Understanding it in detail is essential for developing more performant batteries and fuel cells. A recent article provides a tutorial and research review on the role of neutrons in advancing the field.

The ILL has just received a firm commitment from its Associate countries, France, the UK and Germany, to continue operation until 2033. “We have been working very hard to secure a unanimous commitment from all three Associate countries and are delighted with the decision,” says ILL Director, Ken Andersen, “The ILL is now in a position to plan scientific operation until the end of 2033.”

Recently published findings from experiments carried out at the ILL and at SINQ confirm monochromatic small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) as the definitive go-to method to characterise multiband superconductivity in a material.