Rex Hjelm Publishes Work on Concurrent Neutron and X-ray  Scattering and Spectroscopy

Rex Hjelm Publishes Work on Concurrent Neutron and X-ray  Scattering and Spectroscopy

New Mexico Consortium affiliated scientist Rex Hjelm has published a new paper in the Journal of Neutron Research titled The Scientific Case for Concurrent Neutron and X-ray Scattering and Spectroscopy, outlining a path forward for studying increasingly complex materials.

X-rays and neutrons have long been essential tools for materials research, offering complementary ways to probe structure and behavior at the atomic and molecular scale. As modern materials become more complex and dynamic, however, traditional experiments that rely on these techniques separately are no longer sufficient to capture the full picture.

Hjelm’s work draws on findings from a 2022 U.S. National Science Foundation–sponsored workshop that brought together 70 experts to evaluate the scientific need for performing neutron and X-ray measurements simultaneously, an approach known as NeX. Participants agreed that concurrent measurements are critical for advancing the study of multicomponent and evolving materials.

By combining X-rays and neutrons in a single experiment, researchers can eliminate uncertainties caused by sample changes and experimental variability, leading to more reliable models and interpretations. The paper highlights the potential impact of NeX experiments across a wide range of fields, including energy materials, biomaterials, nanotechnology, quantum materials, and geoscience.

Developing NeX capabilities will require new instruments and data analysis tools, but the payoff could be substantial, opening new opportunities for understanding and designing complex materials.

To learn more read the entire article at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10238166251415133