SNS detector plans

The Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge, TN, USA is scheduled to begin operation in April 2006. As of October 2003, seventeen neutron scattering instruments have been approved for development. Unfortunately the detector requirements for many of these instruments exceed the capabilities of the systems that are available today. While improved detectors would significantly enhance the scientific capabilities of the facility, detector decisions have been made based on the current best option. This paper will present the detector requirements of the instruments, list the detector selections for initial operation, and review the deficiencies of these selections. The need for new detectors is significant and the SNS staff strongly endorses detector research that will eliminate these deficiencies. New detectors will not only improve the quality of the science being done at neutron scattering facilities, they will also open new areas of research. Published by Elsevier B.V.