Powering the Genesis Mission: How AI and Neutron Scattering Unlock Quantum Material

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National LaboratoryMay 1, 2026

Why It Matters

Scaling AI‑enhanced neutron scattering accelerates discovery of quantum‑magnetic materials, shortening the path from lab insight to commercial technologies in energy, computing and security.

Key Takeaways

  • Neutron scattering reveals magnetic properties of quantum materials.
  • AI accelerates analysis of 2D quantum magnet data.
  • DOE’s Genesis mission leverages scalable AI‑driven workflows for research.
  • Multimodal AI integrates HPC, experiments, and modeling for faster insights.
  • Fundamental design rules from research guide future energy and cryptography tech.

Summary

The video features Daniel Padaroski, a neutron‑scattering scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, explaining how neutron scattering combined with artificial intelligence is being used to accelerate research on two‑dimensional quantum magnets under the DOE’s Genesis mission.

Neutron scattering provides unparalleled sensitivity to magnetic ordering, allowing researchers to probe the fundamental interactions inside quantum materials. By feeding the resulting spectra into multimodal AI models that draw on high‑performance computing, the Make‑Mag project can identify patterns and predict properties far faster than traditional analysis.

Padaroski notes, “We’re not just building one‑off demos; we’re learning lessons to deploy AI, instrumentation, and modeling at scale.” The initiative ties together a user‑facility neutron source, AI expertise, and HPC resources to create a repeatable workflow that can be applied across dozens of experiments.

If successful, the approach could establish design rules for next‑generation information, energy‑storage, and cryptographic technologies, giving the United States a strategic advantage in quantum‑material innovation.

Original Description

What if we could design next-generation materials faster than ever?
ORNL’s Daniel Pajerowski explains how neutron scattering reveals the hidden physics inside quantum materials, and when combined with #AI and high-performance computing, this accelerates discovery.
Through the MAIQMag project, researchers are uniting neutron science, AI, and computing to unlock quantum magnetic materials with impacts on energy, tech, and national security.
This integrated, scalable approach drives DOE’s #GenesisMission by linking instruments, models, and data to accelerate faster, smarter science at scale.
ORNL is using #BigScience to make a big impact. Learn more: https://www.ornl.gov/bigscience

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