J-PARC

Materials and Life Science at J-PARC

The Materials and Life Science Facility (MLF) at J-PARC uses a proton beam produced in the 3 GeV Rapid-Cycling Synchrotron (RCS) to generate neutron beams and muon beams for their experiments.

At J-PARC, neutrons, muons, K mesons, anti-protons, and neutrinos are produced from the high-intensity proton beam of the Rapid-Cycling Synchrotron (RCS). These particles help in research of the microscopic world. Topics range from nuclear and particle physics to the structure and characteristics of synthetic materials to the nature of the building blocks of life.

Muon Science

Muons behave like electrons and light photons in that they interact with normal matter. This makes them useful tools for exploring the inside of materials

One important experimental technique which the team uses is called Muon Spin Rotation / Relaxation / Resonance (μSR). μSR is used to map magnetic fields inside matter on a nanometer scale by means of muons shot into samples. Using this technique, scientists can examine the magnetic properties of materials. For example, they can examine the magnetic flux through type-II superconductors, and [determine][simulate][?] the location of the trace amounts of hydrogen atoms contained in some materials. Other examples include studies of muon-catalyzed fusion and the non-destructive analysis of the interior of solids, which takes advantage of the fact that negatively charged muons behave as heavy electrons.

Neutron Science

There are many applications of neutron science found in our everyday life. Neutron scattering research has improved medicine, food, electronics, and automobiles. The benefit of neutron science is also seen in improved materials: high-temperature superconductors, lithium batteries, hydrogen storage for fuel cells, and functional polymer products, to name a few.

Neutrons are also valuable in fundamental physics, as tools in the search for new phenomena to discover physical laws beyond the present standard theory of elementary particles.