Scientists obtain individual neutrons in various ways depending on the specific experiment or application. One common method involves using a device called a neutron source. Neutron sources are designed to produce a beam of neutrons that can be directed toward a target, such as the nucleus of an atom.
There are different types of neutron sources, but one common approach is to use a nuclear reactor or a particle accelerator. In a nuclear reactor, the process of nuclear fission generates a large number of neutrons as a byproduct. These neutrons can be moderated (slowed down) and then extracted from the reactor core to be used in experiments.
Particle accelerators can also be used to produce neutrons. In this case, accelerated particles, such as protons or deuterons, are directed onto a target material, which can be a heavy element like uranium or a light element like beryllium. The collision between the accelerated particles and