NSLS-II User Workshop Science-Based Discussion Groups

July 18, 2007

> Users Workshop Home  |  Sessions A, B, C, D, E  |  Sessions F, G, H, I, J

 
Session I: Life Sciences

Chairs: L. M. Miller, R. Sweet

Many life sciences employ light-based probes in the laboratory, and these usually benefit from synchrotron radiation. The aim of this session will be to survey briefly the rich offering of experimental techniques, and then to discuss how best to move forward with plans for appropriate facilities at NSLS-II. Several questions loom: Can one form consortia to create multi-purpose experimental stations? How does one find funding for construction and operation of these stations? How can all of these life sciences be arranged on the floor of the NSLS-II to optimize synergy among the disciplines?

> Session Summary

.zip file of all presentations listed at right.

Session II: Catalysis

Chair: A. Frenkel

The catalysis session will begin with an invited talk by Ralph Nuzzo who will briefly survey the current status of the field identifying a number of key challenges that synchrotron-based techniques at NSLS-II might address. The discussion session following will focus on brainstorming the following issues:

• Discussion of the future directions of catalysis science at the synchrotrons.
• Which advanced capabilities are needed for for the cutting-edge research in catalysis science?
• Do we need to continue with "conventional" experiments (ex situ, static XRD, XAFS, XPS, etc.), and if yes - what upgrades will be needed?
•  Identifying challenges: technical (e.g., sample position/beam stability at the nanoscale), logistical (beamline moving procedures, community structure - will SCC oversee the transition?), financial (support for end station upgrades).
• Collaboration: for example, establishing ties with CFN and have access to complementary techniques (e.g., environmental TEM).

> Session Summary

Session III: Environmental Science

Chair: A. Lanzirotti

This workshop will provide an opportunity for the earth and environmental sciences community to provide initial feedback and input on how NSLS-II will specifically benefit molecular environmental and earth science research and how our community can work with NSLS-II to ensure future support. Tony Lanzirotti will open the session with a review of Molecular Environmental Sciences (MES) user statistics at the NSLS. Representatives of MES programs at U. Chicago, Stony Brook, BNL, Princeton, and U. Delaware will then present brief overviews of current research at the NSLS and future research directions relevant to NSLS-II. Other interested groups are also encouraged to present. Open discussion topics will include:

• What are the requirements of the community for continued high quality MES research at NSLS-II?
• What new research will be made possible by NSLS-II?
• Of the techniques potentially available at NSLS-II, which are the highest priorities?
• What is the preferred mode(s) of access for the community?
• How should planning/design/proposal writing/operations teams be organized/supported?
• What existing equipment is likely to be transferable?

> Session Summary

Session IV: High Pressure Earth Sciences

Chair: D. Weidner

Most of the materials of the Earth are at elevated pressures and temperatures. To understand the state and evolution of the Earth, we study the properties of minerals at these conditions. Synchrotrons have become a central tool in this quest, providing visions that were not previously possible. The continued evolution of the synchrotron beam enables new and exciting probes. This breakout session will investigate the science that will be opened with NSLS-II and the community beamline needs. Speakers, Dave Mao, Quentin Williams, and Don Weidner will lead the discussion.

Session V: Strongly Correlated Electrons

Chair: P. Johnson

Strongly Correlated Electron Systems with their many different degrees of freedom exhibit a range of exotic phenomena. The latter include high Tc superconductivity in the cuprates, colossal magneto-resistance in the manganites and giant thermoelectric effects in the cobaltates. These phenomena offer some of the biggest challenges that currently exist for condensed matter science research. Synchrotron Radiation provides the basis for a number of techniques that have been applied to the study of these materials. This workshop will focus on identifying some of the outstanding problems in this research area and also examine some of the paths forward to possibly solving some of these problems.

Session VI: Magnetism

Chair: D. Arena

Synchrotron radiation has become an indispensable part of detailed characterization of advanced materials, including ferromagnets and other materials with complex spin ordering, and devices such as magnetic tunnel junctions. This breakout session will be an opportunity for the magnetism community to discuss issues pertaining to beam lines, end stations, and other experimental infrastructure. Topics that to be covered may include:

• Techniques (e.g. XRD, XMCD, EXAFS, XRMS, IR spectroscopy, nanoscale imaging, time-resolved studies, etc.)
• Sample environments (temperature, magnetic field, rf & laser excitation sources, etc.)
• Energy range (far infra-red to VUV / soft x-rays to hard x-rays)
• Circular and linear polarization switching and capabilities for fast polarization switching
• Ancillary equipment (e.g. MOKE, VSM/SQUID magnetometry, PPMS, AFM, etc.)
• User access (general & contributing user models; capabilities for rapid turnaround)

Emphasis will be placed on discussion of potential advancements in materials and devices and the enhancements to current state-of-the-art capabilities and/or the development of advanced techniques required by the community to support continued progress.

Invited Speakers: J. Sun (IBM Research Division), M. Aronson (BNL)

> Session Summary

Session VII: Radiometry and Metrology

Chairs: J. Keister, P. Takacs

Absolute radiometry and efficiency characterization of x-ray and VUV optics is critical for synchrotron instrumentation, high-temperature plasma physics, astronomy, EUV lithography, and medical imaging. Both lab-based and at-wavelength metrology methods are required in order to enable the ultimate performance of x-ray optics at NSLS-II beamlines and elsewhere. This breakout session will seek to discuss the full metrology and radiometry needs of the NSLS-II community. Beamline characteristics that are expected to be important include a wide energy range (5 eV to 50 keV), high harmonic purity, high (and variable) flux, and high beam uniformity. These needs are expected to be met by a minimum of two beamlines utilizing a range of NSLS-II sources at different photon energies. Such radiometry and metrology beamlines at NSLS-II as envisioned would be a useful tool for development and testing of optics for a wide variety of scientific applications. Invited speakers will offer brief overviews of several of these applications, and plenty of time will be provided for open discussion from attendees as to additional scientific thrusts which rely on metrology and radiometry techniques. Also included in this breakout session will be guided discussions of beamline performance requirements and design considerations. 

> Session Summary

Session VIII: Soft Condensed Matter

Chairs; B. Ocko, R. Pindak

Soft matter encompasses a variety of different systems including polymers, liquid crystals, liquids, surfactants, microemulsions and biomolecular materials. These systems are characterized by weak interactions between their components and they exhibit varying degrees of order over a wide range of length scales with corresponding dynamical behavior over an equally wide range of time scales. All the major synchrotron x-ray techniques, including scattering, spectroscopy, and imaging, are vital tools for characterizing the structural and dynamical behavior of these complex systems, both in the bulk and at interfaces.

After three short talks (Simon Mochrie, Dan Fischer, and Ben Hsiao), there will be a moderated discussion on what capabilities are most crucial for this field at NSLS-II. The discussion will also explore opportunities for evolving these techniques and developing unique facilities. Input from participants on the needs of the community is strongly encouraged.

> Session Summary

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