User Guide
Get Started as an NSLS-II User
The NSLS-II User Guide is a step-by-step manual to help you apply for beam time, and—once accepted—how to get ready for your experiment, what to do when you get here, and how to report when you leave.
1Determine proposal type
All beam time at NSLS-II is allocated based on a peer-reviewed proposal process. To start, you need to identify the type of proposal that fits your needs. You'll need to know either the technique required, the beamline name/number, or the name of the beamline primary contact to use the Beamlines Available for Proposals page (below) to determine the appropriate proposal type.
If you need additional details on proposal types, review the Guide to Proposal Types or contact the User Services Office.
2Download your proposal template
Based on the proposal type that you'll be making, download the appropriate proposal template below and fill it out. (All templates are in Microsoft Word format.)
3Login to PASS
All NSLS-II proposals and beam time requests (BTRs) must be submitted online using the Proposal Allocation Safety Scheduling (PASS) System. Access to the PASS system requires an ORCID iD, which is a requirement for all U.S. Department of Energy user facilities. If you do not have an ORCID, you can obtain one here.
Proposal Review Calendar
Full details of the proposal review process are available in the NSLS-II User Access Policy.
| Run Cycle | Run Dates | Proposal Submission Deadline | PRP* Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 (2026-3) | Sep - Dec 2026 | May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (ET) | Jun 25, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 (2027-1) | Jan - Apr 2027 | Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (ET) | Oct 22, 2026 |
| Summer 2027 (2027-2) | May - Aug 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. (ET) | Feb 25, 2027 |
