ESS

Infrastructure and User Services  

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is a cutting-edge neutron research facility under construction in Lund, Sweden, designed to provide unparalleled opportunities for scientific exploration. 

The European Spallation Source (ESS), under construction in Lund, Sweden, is a state-of-the-art neutron research facility poised to revolutionize scientific exploration. At its heart is a powerful linear proton accelerator and a helium-cooled rotating tungsten target, producing high-intensity neutron beams for diverse research. 

ESS will feature 15 advanced neutron instruments tailored to specific experimental techniques. These include diffraction tools like DREAM and HEIMDAL, engineering instruments such as BEER, and spectroscopy devices like BIFROST and VESPA, with plans to expand the suite over time. Supporting this infrastructure is the Data Management and Software Centre (DMSC) in Denmark, which ensures efficient data processing and analysis. 

To enable a full research experience, ESS provides laboratories and specialized equipment for complex experimental setups. A robust user program is being developed to streamline access, scheduling, and support, aiming to maximize scientific output.  

ESS maintains strong community engagement by hosting technical meetings, integrating user feedback, and involving researchers from the early stages—helping shape instruments and operational strategies. Scientific coordination across the facility ensures users are matched with the appropriate tools and services to support their work. 

With its cutting-edge infrastructure, comprehensive user services, and deep collaboration with the research community and partner facilities, ESS is set to become a premier center for neutron-based research. It will contribute to advances in materials science, energy, health, and environmental studies, addressing some of the most pressing scientific challenges of our time. 

Examples/description of the type of research  

The European Spallation Source (ESS), currently under construction in Lund, Sweden, is poised to become the world's leading facility for neutron-based research, facilitating a broad spectrum of scientific research. 

• Materials Science: ESS will enable detailed investigations into the atomic structures and behaviors of materials, leading to advancements in nanomaterials, superconductors, and innovative manufacturing processes. 
• Energy Research: The facility will support studies aimed at enhancing energy technologies, including fuel cells, batteries, biofuels, and solar energy systems, contributing to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. 
• Health and Life Sciences: ESS will allow researchers to examine biological matter such as tissues, proteins, and enzymes, fostering developments in pharmaceuticals, medical diagnostics, and biotechnology. 
• Environmental Science: The infrastructure will facilitate research into environmental technologies, such as water treatment processes and cleaner industrial methods, promoting ecological sustainability. 
• Engineering and Industrial Applications: ESS will provide insights into the structural integrity and performance of engineering components and the correlation to production processes, benefiting sectors like aerospace, automotive, and telecommunications through the development of more durable, sustainable and efficient materials.  
• Fundamental Physics: The facility's high-intensity neutron beams will enable experiments in fundamental physics, potentially offering insights into the matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe and other foundational scientific questions.  

By offering unprecedented neutron beam brightness and advanced instrumentation, ESS is set to become a cornerstone for multidisciplinary research, driving both fundamental science and innovation that address some of society's most pressing challenges. 

How to access the infrastructure ? 

ESS will provide multiple access options to support varied research needs. Most users will visit the Lund facility for on-site experiments. Remote access allows researchers to run experiments off-site, assisted by ESS staff. Mail-in access enables users to send samples for staff-led experiments with live data access. Virtual access offers remote use of simulations, archived data, and open repositories. Access will primarily be granted through a competitive peer-review process to ensure high-impact research, though some capacity is reserved for industry and strategic collaborations. These flexible options aim to maximize ESS’s scientific reach and collaborative potential.