ICONE will be in Saclay
The CEA and the CNRS have officially chosen Saclay as the site for the future compact neutron source.
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Artistic view of the national infrastructure "ICONE" and the environment designed by Léon Delay (leon.delay.pro@gmail.com)
ICONE (Installation COmpacte de NEutrons), Explore matter to develop Research and Innovation of tomorrow. Icone is a french project for a compact neutron source in Saclay, France.
Why ICONE ?
A french infrastructure dedicated to fundamental research and industry
For several years, the community of neutron experts has been streadily shrinking, even as needs increase. Once very active in France, they are now turning their attention abroad, to other continents. The stop of nuclear reactors and the development of new technologies for neutron scattering place France at disadvantage in this field on a global scale. Icone project began with this issue. The objective is to provide around 10 instruments to researchers, with a quick and easy access. Moreover, Icone aims to be collaborative and wishes to provide two instruments designed exclusively for private companies. Then, they could benefit from the assistance of an expert technician. This collaborative space must respect rules and ensure confidentiality. Private results and data won't be accessible.
Scientific Innovation
Team's expertise in state of the art measuring instruments.
Industry Support
Work with private company to develop collaboration between researchers and industry representatives.
Global Impact
An infrastructure project which place France among the leaders of neutron scattering.
Project timetable
Discover the key steps of ICON
From the preliminary design stage to full operational capacity, follow the progress of the ICONE project.
2024
Preliminary draft
📝 Preliminary studies and initial design of the neutron source.
Validated
2026
Construction
Work has begun on the Saclay site. Geotechnic studies have started, marking an important milestone in the realization of our project
In progress
2032
High-Flux Neutrons
⚡ First operational phase with high-flux neutron production.
Phase 1
> 2036
High-Resolution Neutrons
🔬 Achieving full capacity with unrivalled resolution for cutting-edge research.
Phase 2
News feed
Actuality of ICONE project
Stay up to date with the latest developments and important announcements regarding ICONE.
Why neutrons?
The neutron: a unique probe for exploring matter
The unique properties of neutrons make them an excellent non-destructive tool for probing matter. What sets neutrons apart from other methods is their strong interaction with light elements. For example, they make it much easier to detect hydrogen leaks inside metal containers.
Penetration
Significant penetration power, enabling analyses in volume and under in situ and operando conditions.
Light elements
Sensitivity to light elements, allowing the highlighting of hydrogen sites.
Isotopic contrast
An isotopic contrast that makes it possible to distinguish between hydrogen and deuterium with precision.
Wavelengths
Wavelengths comparable to atomic distances, revealing atomic structures.
Adapted energies
Energies suited to the internal excitations and dynamics of matter.
Spin 1/2
A spin of 1/2 that makes it possible to reveal magnetic structures at the atomic scale.
About
ICONE, an HiCANS project (High Compact Neutron Sources) in France.
After the nuclear reactors of the 50s-60s and spallation sources of the 80s-90s, a new generation of sources is appearing: the HiCANS.
ICONE (Installation COmpacte de NEutrons), which is part of it, is a national facility open to users needing to conduct neutron scaterring experiments.
The project is being jointly developed by the CEA and the CNRS.
20 laboratories involved with ICONE
Data
Booklets
Find out a bit more about ICONE with the help of our documentation.