The Impact on Science and Technology of University-Based, Accelerator-Driven, Compact Neutron and Proton Sources: A Case in Point in China

The paucity of neutron facilities accessible by university researchers in China has led to the push for development of modern neutron sources. Working in tandem with the world community that increasingly recognizes the value of compact accelerator-drive neutron sources (CANS), Tsinghua University has launched the Compact Pulsed Hadron Source Project which will provide a medium-flux neutron source for education, basic multi-disciplinary research, and accelerator-neutronics R&D. We first describe the initial design and expected performance of the CPHS. Then CPHS’ complementary roles with respect to the ongoing neutron-source projects, CARR and CSNS undertaken respectively by the China Institute of Atomic Energy and Chinese Academy of Sciences are explained. Finally, we discuss the near-to-long-term impact of university-based neutron and proton sources on China's future development of neutron applications in basic research and accelerator-based technologies.