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The Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II, research reactor Munich II) is the leading German research reactor. It is a world best reactor for neutron source, and is officially named Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (research neutron source ...) in honor of the physicist Heinz Maier-Leibnitz who had conducted a highly successful research program at its predecessor, the FRM I.
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Overview
The FRM II is located in the immediate neighbourhood of FRM I, on the research and university campus near Garching (18 km north of Munich). It is operated by Technische Universität München. Several other universities and research institutions are taking part in the scientific use.
The reactor was built by Siemens AG. It went critical on March 2, 2004, and reached the full power of 20 MW on August, 24. Since April 2005, it is in routine operation. The regular schedule comprises 4 reactor cycles per year, with 60 days per cycle.
Highly enriched uranium in a high-density uraniun silicide-aluminium dispersion fuel element yields an excellent ratio of neutron flux to thermal power. A liquid deuterium moderator ("cold source") gives a world-leading cold-neutron flux density.
Usage
The FRM II is optimized for neutron scattering experiments at beam tubes and neutron guides. Furthermore, there are irradiation facilities, for example to produce medically used radioisotopes (as Lu-177), and a tumour treatment facility. The more than 25 scientific instruments are operated by different chairs of the TU München, other universities, Helmholtz Centres and Max-Planck Institutes. The Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) of the Forschungszentrum Jülich operates its own outstation at the FRM II. Each instrument offers 2/3 of its beam time for scientists from all over the world. 30 percent is foreseen for industrial use.
