ILL Science groups overview

The ILL is a user facility welcoming scientists from all around the world to perform cutting-edge experiments fostering progress in a variety of scientific and technological domains. Neutrons are used at the ILL to probe the microscopic structure and dynamics of a broad range of materials at molecular, atomic and nuclear level. The impact of the neutron science carried out at ILL ranges from scientific discovery and excellence to addressing societal challenges in the fields of health, the environment, energy, computing technologies, and in exploring the mysteries of the Universe we live in.

As a service infrastructure, ILL makes its facilities and expertise in neutron science and technology available to its scientific users (visiting scientists). The ILL scientists are organised in scientific groups depending on the techniques, instrument and tools they work with. An overview is given below.

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Diffraction group

The diffraction group studies the structure of a wide range of materials. Neutron diffraction instruments are used to provide detailed insights into the arrangement of atoms within a material, helping scientists to understand its properties and behaviour.

Spectroscopy group

The Spectroscopy group studies the dynamics of condensed matter samples such as powders, glasses and liquids. Neutron spectrometers are used to measure energy and momentum exchanges and analyse the collective motion of atoms and their magnetic moments.

Large Scale Structures group

The LSS group measures structures on the scale of 1 to hundreds of nanometers. Dedicated neutron scattering instruments are used to study a diversity of systems including biological materials, polymers, and colloids. The group is responsible for a set of instruments based on different techniques, including small angle neutron scattering (SANS), reflectrometry, diffraction and neutron imaging.

Nuclear and particle physics group

The NPP group uses unique instruments to examine key questions in nuclear and particle physics. They explore the structure and behavior of atomic nuclei and fundamental particles.

The Biology, Deuteration, Chemistry & Soft Matter group

The BDCS group operates/develops user platforms that aim to enhance the quality, scope and throughput of neutron scattering studies of the structure and dynamics of biological systems. It has advanced capabilities in molecular biology, biochemistry and isotope labelling. Its facilities include dedicated deuteration and chemistry labs.

Applied Science

The applied science group operates the recently expanded suite of ILL imaging instruments, together with instruments for strain scanning and irradiation. It includes dedicated resources for enhanced industrial collaborations.

Theory

The Theory group assists ILL scientists and users in understanding and modelling neutron interactions with matter and the properties of the studied materials. Both computer simulations and theoretical calculations are used to support experimental projects.