Neutron Sciences Directorate

2020, November – The US Department of Energy (DOE) approved Critical Decision-1 (CD-1): Alternative Selection and Cost Range, marking the beginning of preliminary design and approval to spend construction funds.

2020, January – The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) Second Target Station (STS) First Experiments report was issued.

2019, December – ORNL hosted a Science at the Second Target Station (STS) Workshop.

2019, October – Dedicated STS Project Office established.

2017, April – Expert’s panel reviewed and confirmed the selection of major STS technical alternatives: 15 Hz pulse repetition rate, 700 kW proton beam power, short pulse options.

2016, June – A DOE advisory committee recommended ORNL convene an expert’s panel to evaluate STS design parameters and to work with the research community to develop a compelling set of first experiments.

2016, January – Initiated STS conceptual design activities.

2015, October – Workshop organized by the SNS and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) User Group, bringing the science community together to further develop the STS science case.

2013, 2014 – Grand Challenge workshops were held across the US, collecting the science community’s input on emerging science needs that require research using neutrons. Input helped shape the science case. A technical design report describing the subsystem preconceptual design approaches was written.

2013 – A DOE advisory committee noted that the proposed STS at SNS is “absolutely central” to US leadership in science but had significant scientific/engineering challenges to resolve.

2011, 2012 – ORNL conducted a study on optimizing neutron scattering at three ORNL facilities and developed the concept for a compact source coupled to a high-brightness moderator for STS.

2009 – DOE approved Critical Decision-0 (CD-0), acknowledging the scientific need for a Second Target Station (STS) at SNS.

2007 – ORNL conducted a study to investigate the possibility of a Second Target Station (STS) for SNS. DOE issued the Interim Report on Facilities for the Future of Science, identifying the need for an SNS power upgrade and the STS.

2002 – The National Science Foundation commissioned a study of a Second Target Station (STS) for SNS.

1999 - Environmental Impact Statement for SNS included a Second Target Station (STS).

1996 – A DOE advisory committee recommended that SNS be designed to eventually operate at a significantly higher power and include additional target stations.