Dalton Cumbrian Facility
Pioneering research in radiation science: the UK’s leading academic centre for radiation science and research in nuclear engineering decommissioning.
The Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF) is the UK’s leading academic centre for radiation science and research in nuclear engineering decommissioning.
Access and enquiries
We provide state-of-the-art facilities and specialist equipment with an open, collaborative research environment, enabling academics and industry partners to simulate decades of radiation exposure, analyse material behaviour and develop innovative solutions.
By bridging the gap between academia and industry, DCF supports cutting-edge research, drives innovation, and informs the safe operation and decommissioning of nuclear infrastructure.
For collaborations or enquiries, contact our team:
dcf.experiments@manchester.ac.uk
Access our world-leading facilities
Academic and commercial users from the UK and overseas are welcome.
Facility booking procedures vary depending on the equipment, so please check the relevant details below.
Before you apply
- Booking procedures vary by equipment
- Please allow at least two weeks’ notice for letters of support for grant applications.
- Consult the team before grant submission if basing staff or students at DCF
- Researchers staying at DCF for more than two weeks must have an appointed local line manager.
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Particle accelerators and ion beam irradiation
Two particle accelerators – a 5 MV tandem and a 2.5 MV Pelletron – deliver ion irradiation across eight beamlines. They allow researchers to replicate years of radiation damage in a fraction of the time, conduct tightly controlled in-situ experiments, and utilise dual ion beams for simultaneous assessment.
See information and access details on the University's research database
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Gamma and X-ray irradiators
DCF offers high-dose rate gamma and precision X-ray irradiation systems. These enable research into photon radiation effects on metals, polymers, glasses and composites.
See information and access details on the University's research database
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Analytical and characterisation equipment
Researchers can analyse material structure, chemistry and radiation-induced changes using XRD, Ultra High Resolution FEG SEM, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, EPR and chromatography.
See information and access details on the University's research database
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Radiation chemistry modelling
Developed with the University’s Mathematics Department, DCF has access to the Manchester Inhomogeneous Radiation Chemistry by Linear Expansion toolkit, known as MIRaCLE. It enables radiation chemistry to be modelled with exceptional computational speed and reliability, including at solid-fluid interfaces.
Contact Professor Fred Currell to find out more
Work with Dalton Cumbrian Facility
Interested in accessing our facilities, developing a collaboration or discussing a research opportunity?
For collaborations or enquiries, contact our team.
