Neutron characterization techniques are particularly important in understanding materials for the nuclear-energy sector for many reasons. In structural components the combination of radiography, residual stress, and texture measurements allows assessment of structural integrity and optimization of manufacturing, while SANS provides a unique tool to track the effects of radiation damage. In fuels and waste forms, particularly when heavy and light elements are combined, neutron diffraction has inherent advantages over X-rays.

Neutron characterization techniques will be increasingly important for under­standing materials for the nuclear sector. The increased functionality comes partly from new techniques, and partly from improvements in existing techniques.

New techniques such as energy-dispersive neutron radiography and Bragg-edge strain imaging offer new insights into materials. As the technologies are new, large improvements are to be expected in technique and analysis.

Well established techniques will benefit from improvements in neutron flux, detectors, and analysis, enabling in situ or kinetic studies, and smaller samples. Sample environments will increase in complexity to better mimic the studied operating conditions. Shielding or dedicated beamlines will allow characterization of active materials.

Combinations of techniques, such as diffraction and radiography, will provide detailed crystallographic information in combination with a spatially-resolved distribution of the properties of interest.