Henk Schut

Dr. Henk Schut is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Science & Technology at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). He has been a key figure in developing and applying positron annihilation spectroscopy techniques for materials characterization, particularly in nuclear and advanced materials research.

His research interests lie at the intersection of materials physics and nuclear engineering, with a strong focus on defect analysis in metals (such as steel alloys and graphite) for fusion and fission applications, as well as in semiconductors and polymers. He has contributed to over 180 scientific publications in this domain.

Dr. Schut leads research utilizing the POSH beam, the first nuclear reactor-based high-intensity variable energy positron beam in the Netherlands, hosted at the Delft High Research Reactor (HOR). The facility enables advanced studies such as 2D-ACAR and Coincident Doppler Broadening, and is currently being enhanced with a positron annihilation lifetime spectrometer.

He is actively involved in academic teaching, delivering courses such as Thermodynamics for Engineers and supervising bachelor's and master's level research practicals in positron annihilation techniques. Master and Bachelor projects are offered through the NMP2 research group.

He obtained his M.Sc. in Physics from Utrecht State University in 1985 and completed his PhD at TU Delft between 1985 and 1990 on the development of a variable positron beam facility. During his doctoral work, he collaborated with the positron group at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

While no specific scientific awards are mentioned in the text, his long-standing contributions to the field and leadership in establishing unique experimental infrastructure underscore his impact in materials science.

Dr. Schut advises students at the bachelor’s and master’s levels and is engaged in ongoing research projects related to radiation effects in materials. He is a core member of the Neutron & Positron Methods for Materials research group, which operates advanced characterization facilities at the HOR reactor.