Celebrating 20 Years of Scientific Advancements at the ISIS Centre

The ISIS Centre in Oxfordshire is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It houses a powerful particle accelerator that provides pulsed beams of neutrons and muons for research in condensed matter and is a significant source of neutrinos for fundamental physics studies. Neutrons are produced through the spellation process, where a heavy metal target is bombarded with energetic protons. The centre supports an international community of 1600 scientists and is expanding with a new facility to enhance its research capabilities.

What is the primary purpose of the particle accelerator at the ISIS centre?

• To create magnetic fields

• To produce solar energy

• To generate electricity

• To provide pulsed beams of neutrons and muons for research

Which process is used at ISIS to produce neutrons?

• Electrolysis

• Spallation

• Fission

• Nuclear fusion

What is bombarded with protons in the spallation process at ISIS?

• A liquid solution

• A gas chamber

• A heavy metal target

• A light metal target

Approximately how many scientists are part of the international community supported by ISIS?

• 500

• 1000

• 2000

• 1600

What is ISIS currently building to expand its research capabilities?

• A research library

• A satellite office

• A larger facility

• A new laboratory