CROSS-Tokai Hosts CIAE Delegation

13 April 2012

On the 9^th and 10^th of April 2012, CROSS-Tokai was pleased to welcome a senior delegation from the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) on the occasion of their visit to J-PARC and the JRR-3 research reactor. Led by CIAE Deputy Director Professor Changming Zhang, the five-member delegation was the first international group to be officially hosted by CROSS-Tokai since it began operations one year ago.

J-PARC Director, Dr Shoji Nagamiya and CROSS-Tokai Director Prof. Yasuhiko Fujii during discussions with the CIEA Delegation

The visit began with a discussion session in which J-PARC Director, Dr Shoji Nagamiya, and Deputy Director Dr Yujiro Ikeda reported on the current status of J-PARC, the earthquake recovery effort and J-PARC user programs. MLF Division Head Dr Masatoshi Arai presented a summary of the muon and neutron capabilities of the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility and Director General of the Quantum Beam Science Directorate of JAEA, Dr Kazuhisa Kakurai described the instrumentation and user program of the JRR-3 research reactor. CROSS-Tokai Director, Professor Yasuhiko Fujii, explained the role and activities of CROSS-Tokai and our relationship with J-PARC.

CIEA Deputy Director, Prof. Changming Zhang delivering his address

The CIEA delegation showed particular interest in the industrial use of neutron facilities at J-PARC and JRR-3 and the programs that are in place to encourage and support these engagements.

Discussion Meeting with CIEA Delegation

The Chinese delegates reported on the progress of the CARR research reactor which attained full power operation (60 MW) for the first time in March 2012, and the status of the neutron instrumentation program there which is expected to open to users one year from now.

In the afternoon were treated to a tour of the J-PARC facilities and the guide hall of JRR-3.

During the J-PARC/MLF/JRR-3 site tour

CIEA delegates Dr Dongfeng Chen and Dr Yuntao Liu during their visit

In a morning session chaired by CROSS-Tokai Director Fujii, the Day 2 program focused on the industrial applications of neutron scattering and the activities and access mechanisms that were in place to promote industrial use. There was particular interest and discussion about the Trial Use program that CROSS-Tokai will offer for the first time from the latter half of 2012.

The CIAE delegates enjoyed lunch with a group of young Chinese researchers who are currently working at JAEA and KEK before departing for the next stage of their visit to Japan.

The CIEA visit was made possible by strong links that already exist between China and Japan and provides a foundation for increased collaboration and cooperation between the neutron scattering facilities of the two countries.