First-of-its-kind achromatic neutron lens brings the world into sharper focus

First-of-its-kind achromatic neutron lens brings the world into sharper focus

Neutrons can pass through dense metal while remaining sensitive to hydrogen, lithium and other light elements. That makes them valuable for looking inside engines, batteries, plants and archaeological objects without cutting them open. The problem has always been control. Neutrons interact so weakly with matter that they are difficult to bend, focus or collect into a sharp image. Most neutron imaging systems therefore work without a lens. Scient…