ESS had the privilege of hosting the 12th NEUtron WAVElength Dependent Imaging (NEUWAVE) meeting in Lund from September 1–5, 2024. This workshop series has played a crucial role in advancing neutron imaging, transforming it into a versatile tool that goes beyond traditional attenuation imaging. Thanks to NEUWAVE, new methods and contrast modalities—such as diffraction, small-angle scattering, and inelastic scattering contrasts—are now part of the neutron imaging toolkit.
The event brought together 55 leading experts from the global neutron imaging community, facilitating the exchange of ideas. Christian Vedel, a software developer at the Data Management and Software Centre (DMSC), commented on his experience attending NEUWAVE for the first time:
"Attending NEUWAVE was a great experience, especially as a newcomer to the imaging field. It truly showcased the breadth of techniques and applications."
The meeting kicked off on Sunday with a walking discussion on the island of Ven under Skåne’s sunny skies, creating an engaging atmosphere for the days ahead.. Suqi Xu, one of the participants, noted:
"Wonderful meeting! Many thanks to the organizers! I've learned a lot from the neutron imaging community! The walking discussion in Ven was fantastic!"
On Monday September 2, the workshop continued at AF Borgen in central Lund, with ESS Science Director Giovanna Fragneto delivering the opening remarks, welcoming all participants.
ODIN's Journey: From Proposal to Near Completion
This year’s NEUWAVE marked a significant milestone in the journey of the ODIN instrument at ESS. Back in 2013, when ESS first hosted the 5th NEUWAVE meeting, the construction of the facility had not yet started. However, it was at that time that ODIN was approved as one of the first instruments to be built at ESS. Fast forward to 2024, participants at the 12th NEUWAVE workshop were able to witness how ODIN is now nearing completion, representing a decade of progress and innovation.
Mikhail Feygenson, Head of the Diffraction & Imaging division at ESS, reflected on the rapid advancements in the field:
"It has been eye-opening how widespread the event-mode imaging detector system has become so quickly."
Expanding the Boundaries of Imaging
Since its inception, NEUWAVE has contributed to the development of cutting-edge neutron imaging instruments. Instruments like IMAT at ISIS, RADEN at J-PARC, and VENUS at SNS have benefitted from the collaborative efforts encouraged by NEUWAVE. With ODIN nearing completion, ESS is expected to play a significant role in the future of neutron imaging.
On Wednesday, participants toured the ESS site, including the target area and instruments, with a special focus on the ODIN instrument. Thursday’s activities concluded with a hands-on software workshop at LINXS, where experts explored the capabilities of the ncrystal software. This tool is anticipated to advance quantitative neutron imaging by predicting and interpreting wavelength-resolved neutron transmission spectra, potentially leading to new applications in fields such as energy research, engineering materials, and life sciences.
Looking Ahead
NEUWAVE continues to play a key role in fostering collaboration and innovation in neutron imaging. The community is now looking ahead to the next meeting. In October 2025, Oak Ridge National Laboratory will host the 13th NEUWAVE meeting in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, an event expected to further expand the possibilities in neutron imaging.