SNS produces neutrons with an accelerator-based system that delivers short (microsecond) proton pulses to a steel target filled with liquid mercury through a process called spallation. Those neutrons are then directed toward state-of-the-art instruments that provide a variety of capabilities to researchers across a broad range of disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science.

SNS is available to researchers around the world with varying degrees of experience. Submitted research proposals are reviewed by independent scientists from within the neutron scattering community to ensure the most promising ones are chosen.