Research Accelerator Division

The Research Accelerator Division (RAD) is responsible for operation of the SNS accelerator complex, which consists of a negative hydrogen-ion injector, a 1 GeV linear accelerator, a proton accumulator ring, and a liquid mercury target system.

The SNS accelerator is the only one of its kind in the world and provides the driving power to the SNS target system, where neutrons are produced. The accelerator systems are designed to provide 1.4 megawatts of proton beam power to the target but also have the flexibility to provide additional scientific output in the future by increasing the beam power beyond 2 megawatts.