Use a nuclear reaction to produce neutrons in a controlled source (research reactor, accelerator-driven target, or neutron generator)
Use a neutron generator (e.g., D–T or D–D) to produce neutrons from a sealed target
Use a research reactor to obtain a thermal or epithermal neutron beam
Use an accelerator-based spallation source to generate neutrons from a heavy-metal target
Measure neutrons with a detector (e.g., helium-3 proportional counters, boron-10 scintillators, liquid scintillators, or ^6Li detectors)
Calibrate neutron detectors with known neutron sources or standard calibration fields
Perform neutron activation analysis by irradiating a sample and measuring characteristic gamma rays from activation products
Use time-of-flight methods with a pulsed neutron source to determine neutron energies
Locate neutrons indirectly by detecting their interaction products (capture gamma rays, recoil particles, or activation products)
Follow institutional radiation safety procedures and licensing requirements for neutron work