Dear SEES users,

I hope this message finds you well. As neutrons are complimentary to X-rays, we’re happy to share important reminders and some updates to help you make the most of your experience with neutron scattering:

     I.         Upcoming Proposal Deadline: The submission of neutron general user (GU) proposals to HB2C-WAND² at HFIR is due by March 4, 2026, 12 pm EST. Proposals awarded beam time will be scheduled to run from Sep to Dec 2026 during the 2026-B cycle (fuel cycles 517-519). HFIR is a reactor-based neutron source that provides constant wavelength neutrons for experiments. 

    II. Instrument Upgrade expanding the range of experiments you can perform:

1. 23 Automated Sample Changer: Our belt-driven automated sample changer, capable of measuring 23 powder samples from 2K-300K, is available for both Mail-in and GU proposals.
2. 7-position spinning automated sample changer: Enables room-temperature (RT) measurements with continuous sample rotation during data collection to reduce preferred orientation; well suited for biomaterials and geomaterials.
3. Mail-in Program for powder diffraction: We accept mail-in samples to be measured with the belt-driven automated sample changer from 2-100K and 300K. By default, samples will be disposed of after measurement. For details, please read our Mail in program page. Otherwise, please submit GU proposal. 
4. New Capabilities: In 2025, we have commissioned
1. In operando battery cycling coin cell (powder diffraction): Integrated with a VSP-300 potentiostat, now available for users’ home institution testing.
2. Uniaxial pressure stick (single crystal diffraction): Uniaxial pressure stick can be combined with 50mm cryostat and cryomagnet as well as CCRT to reach temperatures up to 450K
3. Additionally, we continue to support our existing sample environments (temperature control from 50mK to 1800K, pressure up to 20 GPa, cryomagnets up to 6T, humidity chamber, etc.),
4. Custom Environments: We continue to support specialized environments, such as laser, gas flow, liquid flow, electric field, and more. We strongly encourage you to discuss their specific experimental needs with the WAND² instrument team prior to submitting their proposals.

If you have any questions or need assistance with proposal preparation and submission, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you in making the most of these opportunities.

Wishing you a productive and successful 2026. We look forward to working with your team!

Best wishes,

Athena.

On the behalf of WAND² team: Matthias Frontzek (IS, POC), Si Athena Chen (IS), Jie Xing (SA), Xiao Hu (ICIS, single crystal), Joe Paddison (CIS, powder).

----------------------------------------------

Si Athena Chen, Ph.D.

Neutron Diffraction Instrument Scientist

HB-2C WAND² https://neutrons.ornl.gov/wand

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)

Neutron Scattering Division

1 Bethel Valley Road, Bldg. 7962, Rm. 217

Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6393

814-777-4374 | chens1@ornl.gov