Status and perspectives of the neutron time-of-flight facility n TOF at CERN

The neutron time-of-flight facility of CERN, called n_TOF, started its operation in 2001, and since then it plays a major role in the field of neutron cross-section measurements. The two beam-lines available provide an excellent combination of good energy resolution and high instantaneous neutron flux, combining the time-of-flight method with a powerful neutron spallation source. So far, a large number of experiments has been performed on a variety of isotopes of interest for nuclear astrophysics, advanced nuclear technologies, nuclear medicine, and for basic nuclear physics. After the CERN long shutdown, a new phase of data taking is planned to start in 2021. The R&D of a new spallation target is ongoing and its upgrade will bring important improvements in both beam lines, allowing the n_TOF Collaboration to perform new, challenging measurements.