The instrument is set to begin its cold commissioning phase – a major milestone for ESS as it progresses toward full operations. LoKI
is an advanced small angle neutron scattering instrument and will be one of the
first to receive neutrons when the ESS enters operations. The beamline was designed and built at ISIS and then installed at
the ESS. This shared effort exemplifies the power of partnerships between scientific institutions.
“This milestone celebrates more than just engineering achievement - it's a testament to the strength of the partnership between ISIS and ESS," says Andrew Jackson, Head of the Large Scale Structures Division at ESS. “At ESS, we've learned an enormous amount working closely with the ISIS team, who have delivered exceptional equipment and documentation. Their commitment and support at all levels have been vital to the success of this project."
LoKI is an instrument that will support soft-matter, materials, and life-science researchers that need to make advanced nanoscale measurements. Areas of research that will benefit from LoKI include: understanding the flow behaviour of complex fluids such as personal care products and pharmaceutical formulations; examining the formation and stability of lipid nanoparticles used for drug delivery; understanding the interactions and structure of proteins in solution; and studies of polymer composites and smart materials under strain.
A decade of collaboration between ISIS in the UK and ESS has brought LoKI to life. Designed to leverage the unprecedented capabilities of ESS as the world's most intense neutron source, LoKI required innovative approaches, rigorous design, and careful execution. Built and pre-assembled by ISIS, the instrument was transported to Sweden and installed in the short instrument hall at the ESS site in Lund. It is now one of the first ESS beamlines to complete installation and enter the cold commissioning phase, which is the commissioning of all systems pre-neutrons. LoKI will be among the first instruments to receive neutrons at ESS.
“The LoKI instrument project has been a huge collaborative effort between ISIS and ESS for nearly a decade," reflects Jim Nightingale, ISIS in-kind instrument project manager for LoKI. “It has been a once-in-a-lifetime journey: from the initial excitement of contributing to a new facility, through the organised chaos of a large-scale infrastructure project, to the focused determination to make it all work."
From engineers to technicians and scientists, the collaborative effort has underscored the depth of expertise and dedication within the teams at both facilities. Hands-on engagement throughout the instrument lifecycle was essential, with close cooperation across both organisations. This sentiment is echoed by team members on both sides of the collaboration.
“The ISIS facility, with its decades of expertise and commitment, has delivered an instrument to high-quality standards which is now nearing operation," remarks Clara Ines Lopez, Senior Integration Engineer at ESS. “This collaboration hasn't just been about professional growth; it's fostered strong friendships and a spirit of mutual support."
“It has been really rewarding seeing LoKI built at ESS and ready to start science… It's great to see and be involved in the full cycle of an instrument build." Katherine Mordecai, Instrument Support Technician, ISIS
“Acting as pre-build manager and following the installation progress at ESS has been a rewarding journey. I've seen first-hand the dedication it takes to deliver the best instrument possible." Jacob Simms, Lead Technician, ISIS
“Through installing and commissioning LoKI, the people at ESS have made it their own… First neutrons will be another new beginning, and I've every confidence the team at ESS will make it world-class." Will Halcrow, Lead Engineer, LoKI (2017–2022), ISIS
“It's exciting to know that something I spent so much time designing is finally going to get tested in full. There's always a bit of apprehension—but I can't wait to see it all come together." Simon Cooper, Motion Systems Engineer, ISIS
The partnership continues as teams now turn their attention to FREIA, a UK-led liquids reflectometer that will form part of the second wave of ESS instruments.
Meanwhile, LoKI looks ahead to its next milestone – hot commissioning with neutrons in 2026 – with confidence grounded in strong collaboration and shared commitment.
“It has been a joy to work with outstanding scientists, engineers and technical staff at both facilities... I am confident that once we have neutrons, we will successfully 'hot' commission the instrument and begin LoKI's scientific mission." Judith Houston, Lead Scientist, LoKI, ESS
