China has just leveled up its science game! 🎮 On Saturday, construction kicked off for Phase II of the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province. This mega-science project, nicknamed the 'super microscope', is set to dive even deeper into the microscopic world. 🔬✨
The CSNS is China's first research facility providing the most intense pulsed neutron beams for scientific research. With this upgrade, it's about to get even more powerful! Think of it like upgrading your smartphone from a standard model to the latest flagship. 📱➡️🚀
So what's new in Phase II? The project will build 11 new neutron instruments, experimental terminals, and laboratories. Plus, the proton beam power is expected to jump from 100 kilowatts to a whopping 500 kilowatts! That's like switching from a bicycle to a high-speed train. 🚲➡️🚄
Why is this a big deal? More neutrons mean faster, more precise experiments. Scientists will be able to study smaller samples and observe quicker dynamic processes. In other words, it's a huge boost for cutting-edge research in fields like magnetic materials, nano-functional materials, polymers, and energy materials like lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen storage. 🧪⚡
Since its launch in 2018, Phase I of the CSNS has been a game-changer, completing over 1,500 experiments and operating over 5,000 hours just last year! 🏆 The number of registered users has exceeded 6,000, making it a hotspot for scientists and researchers. 🌐
The CSNS is also a key player in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's rise as a science and tech hub. It's powering up the region's innovation and supporting the development of an international innovation center. 🚀🌏
With Phase II expected to take around five years and nine months to complete, we can't wait to see the breakthroughs that are coming! Stay tuned for more exciting science news from the CSNS! 🚀🔬
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
