Konstantin Sukharnikov Scientific instrumentation

A hobby. An independent overview compiled from public sources by a science and space enthusiast. I am not involved in these missions or facilities; my own work is detector electronics at European XFEL. My projects →

Facility · Neutrons

European Spallation Source (ESS)

Pulsed neutron source driven by a superconducting proton linac (up to 5 MW)

Status
Commissioning
Location
Lund, Sweden (data centre in Copenhagen)
Operator
ESS ERIC
Next
27 Jan 2027 first beam on target, first neutrons (plan)

Summary

The world's most powerful pulsed neutron source: 2 GeV protons, a rotating tungsten target and 15 instruments in the final configuration. A close technological relative of European XFEL through its superconducting linac.

Now as of 4 Nov 2026

The accelerator has already delivered full-energy beam to a tuning dump. First beam on target has moved from 2026 to 27 January 2027 (ESS update of April 2026); the date depends on the delivery of the MRP2 target component. In late 2025 a voltage surge damaged the moderator and delayed the work. Four instruments are ready to receive neutrons (ESS STAP, April 2026, PDF).

Key dates

  1. 2025Full-energy beam on the tuning dumpdone
  2. 27 Jan 2027First beam on targetplanned