In the city of Dongguan lies a world-class sci-tech project -- China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Over 1,000 research tasks have been tackled since it started in August 2018.

Dubbed as a "super microscope," a spallation neutron source can produce and accelerate protons before smashing them into the target to produce neutrons, and the neutron beams will be directed to hit material samples. Researchers can thus accurately infer the atomic structure of the materials by measuring the distribution of scattered neutrons and their changes in energy and momentum.

The CSNS is a national major scientific and technological infrastructure and multi-disciplinary applied research platform, with 20 neutron channels planned and 22 neutron instruments and experimental terminals capable of construction. The CSNS provides strong support for research in materials science and technology, physics, chemistry and chemical industry, life science, and new energy in China. At present, the CSNS has completed 10 rounds of open operation.

This photo taken on July 18, 2023 shows neutron instruments of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) under construction in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

A researcher walks past the very small angle neutron scattering (VSANS) chamber system of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, July 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

A researcher operates equipment at the accelerator radio frequency technology laboratory of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, July 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

A researcher walks out of the control area of the very small angle neutron scattering (VSANS) of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, July 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

An engineer installs high resolution neutron diffractometer equipment at China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, July 18, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

This photo taken on July 18, 2023 shows the interior of the very small angle neutron scattering (VSANS) chamber system of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)