Enabling new capabilities in neutron scattering is strongly related to the development of instrument components, as for example neutron optics, detectors or sample environment, as well as innovative experimental protocols.

A key area of interest in research in Sweden investigated with neutrons are surfaces and interfaces. While the study if depth profiles across interfaces has become a routine method, the study of lateral correlations or even surface dynamics is still not fully exploited. This to a good extend related to the intrinsically low brilliance of neutron sources. Quantum resonators as studied by Max Wolff may be a way to overcome the the limitations and brilliance and provide a way forward towards a study of surface dynamics with neutrons.
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Another area of development in the same group are spectroscopic and time resolved experiments (Towards neutron scattering experiments with sub-millisecond time resolution), which may enable time resolutions down to ms fully exploiting the high peak flux of the ESS.
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Swedish researchers are also involved in sample environment development. An example is that of the group by Javier Sotres at Malmö University, which aims at developing a cell that can be used to follow lubrication in situ by surface sensitive techniques. Read more...

Another important area is the development of alternative materials to toxic ones used in large scale facilities. Such is the example for the use of 3d-printed boron carbide composite as neutron absorbing components for instruments and as part of sample holders. Read more...

With the construction of the ESS in Lund, many scientistst are also involved in computational efforts to enable the simulation of neutron scattering on a fundamental level. The results of these efforts is the modern Thermal Scattering Law library NCrystal. Read more...