Dynamic Nuclear Polarization for Neutron Scattering: Status and Outlook

Elastic and inelastic scattering of slow neutrons are well established techniques for determining the properties of many different classes of materials, from proteins and soft matter, to quantum materials.  Combining polarized neutron beams with Dynamic Nuclear Polarization of samples (especially those containing hydrogen) allows the experimenter to take advantage of the spin dependence of the scattering to use a number of techniques that would not be possible with polarized neutrons alone.  A description of some of the techniques will be given as well as some examples from different neutron scattering facilities.  The status and outlook of the Dynamic Nuclear Polarization program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory will be discussed, with an emphasis on the use of DNP to enhance measurements of diffraction from protein crystals.