General Lab Information

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User Guide

User Accounts and Data Access

Researchers come to the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) from all around the world to study everything from batteries to tomato plants. To enable this research and deliver measured data to these scientific users, NSLS-II works closely with the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) Information Technology Department (ITD) to create user accounts and provide access to that data.

Account and Login Requirements

In order to run beamline experiments and access data at NSLS-II, you will need an ORCID iD and will be given a computer account, called a “BNL domain account.”

ORCID iD

As part of your guest registration with NSLS-II, you will need to enter your ORCID iD persistent digital identifier.

  • To sign up for an ORCID iD, please go to the ORCID website.

Your BNL Domain Account

For new users, your BNL domain account is automatically created when your BNL guest appointment is approved. Once your account is activated, it will remain active until your appointment or training expires.

When the account is created, BNL’s Information Technology Division (ITD) will notify you by email. This email contains instructions for setting up the account.

  • As soon as you receive your account information: Follow this link to change your password using “username@bnl.gov” in the field that says "someone@example.com" and the temporary password, provided in the email, in the field that says "Old Password.” Passwords should be kept private. No one at BNL should ever ask you for your password.
  • Changing your password? Please follow these instructions to change your BNL domain account password.
  • Can’t find your login credentials: If you have an active BNL guest appointment and valid training, but did not receive a BNL domain account (or misplaced the email from the Information Technology Division), you can request one from ITD via the “Submit Account Request Form” button.
  • Unsure about whether you already have a BNL domain account? Contact the Information Technology Division at itdhelp@bnl.gov or call (631) 344-5522.

Two-factor Authentication

Access to all NSLS-II computers now requires two-factor authentication (2FA). To log onto a NSLS-II system, you will need to use your BNL Domain password and respond to a "push" from BNL's "Duo" service. NSLS-II users will need to sign up for "Duo Federal" in order to access lab-wide and NSLS-II-specific services. This service uses an app on your phone or tablet.

Enroll in Duo

If you have questions or need help, please contact BNL's Helpdesk at itdhelp@bnl.gov or (631) 344-5522.