Neutron Scattering & Diffraction

Neutron scattering and diffraction uses the wave-like properties of thermal or cold neutrons to probe atomic structure, dynamics, and magnetic ordering in materials, with unique sensitivity to light elements — especially hydrogen and lithium — that X-ray techniques struggle to locate. As a hard skill it requires preparing samples appropriate for beam experiments, applying for and optimizing beamtime at national neutron sources (ORNL, NIST, ISIS, ILL), and analyzing data with Rietveld, pair-distribution function, or small-angle methods. Battery researchers apply neutron techniques to determine lithium site occupancy in cathodes, track lithium distribution in operating cells operando, and characterize solid electrolyte structure and lithium dynamics.

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