FRM-II: The new German research reactor

A new German high-flux research reactor is presently being built in Garching by the Technical University of Munich. The new reactor, called FRM-II, shall replace the existing ‘Forschungsreaktor München' FRM which has been operating very successfully for about 40 years now. The new reactor has been optimized primarily with respect to beam tube applications of slow neutrons, but will also allow to irradiate samples with thermal neutrons. Therefore, the FRM-II has been designed to provide a high flux of thermal neutrons in a large volume outside of the reactor core, where the neutron spectrum can be locally modified by using special spectrum shifters. The goal was to further obtain this high flux at a reactor power being as low as possible since this represents the best choice because of the lowest background radiation for the experiments, the lowest nuclear risk potential, the lowest costs and superior inherent safety features. In April, 1996, the project obtained the first partial nuclear licence which covered the general acceptance of the safety concept, the site opening and the construction of the reactor building. The final partial nuclear licence which allows nuclear start-up is expected for the year 2001.