[Neutron]

[Teller, Raymond G.]

Dear Colleagues

 

It's my sad duty to inform you of some unfortunate news regarding the
future of IPNS.  As you may know, the omnibus bill that was signed into
law by President Bush just before the end of the year provided funding
for our sponsor, Basic Energy Sciences (BES), at a level that is too low
to meet both new construction commitments and maintain full operations
in the US.   In order to meet budget obligations, BES has ordered
significant cutbacks in operations for all programs that they support.
As a part of this cutback, BES has ordered a complete cessation of IPNS
operations, effective immediately.

 

Specifically, this means that IPNS will no longer operate as a neutron
facility and that we will begin the process of decommissioning and
decontamination (D&D) as soon as possible. Obviously, IPNS will not be
able to provide neutron beam time for our users from this date forward.

 

 This decision comes as quite a shock to me and to all the employees of
IPNS.   I am saddened that such a storied neutron source as IPNS, with a
core of outstanding and dedicated employees and a history of seminal
scientific and technical accomplishments has come to such an abrupt and
untimely end.  I understand that much of the success we enjoyed was due
to our users, who made good use of our neutrons and helped establish the
reputation we have enjoyed.  For your efforts over these last 26+ years,
I thank and salute you.

 

Ray

 

Ray Teller, Director

Intense Pulsed Neutron Source (IPNS)

Argonne national Laboratory

www.pns.anl.gov <http://www.pns.anl.gov> 

630-252-4999

 

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