DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[38775]
Open Access
Abstract: Understanding the interactions between microstructure, strain, phase and material behavior is crucial in scientific fields such as energy storage, carbon sequestration and biomedical engineering. However, quantifying these correlations is challenging, as it requires the use of multiple instruments and techniques, often separated by space and time. The Dual Imaging and Diffraction (DIAD) beamline at Diamond Light Source is designed to address this challenge. DIAD allows its users to visualize internal structures (in two and three dimensions), identify compositional/phase changes and measure strain. It enables in situ and operando experiments that require spatially correlated information. DIAD provides two independent beams combined at one sample position, allowing `quasi-simultaneous' X-ray computed tomography and X-ray powder diffraction. A unique functionality of the DIAD configuration is the ability to perform `image-guided diffraction', where the micrometre-sized diffraction beam is scanned over the complete area of the imaging field of view without moving the specimen. This moving-beam diffraction geometry enables the study of fast-evolving and motion-susceptible processes and samples. Here, we discuss the novel moving-beam diffraction geometry, presenting the latest findings on the reliability of both the geometry calibration and the data-reduction routines used. We provide a comprehensive quantitative assessment of the moving-beam diffraction geometry implemented at the DIAD beamline, which will serve as a reference for beamline users. Our measurements confirm that diffraction is most sensitive to the moving-beam geometry for the conventional transmission geometry of the detector. The observed data confirm that the motion of the Kirkpatrick–Baez mirror coupled with a fixed-aperture slit results in a rigid translation of the beam probe, without affecting the angle of the incident-beam path to the sample. Our measurements demonstrate that a nearest-neighbor calibration can achieve the same accuracy as a self-calibrated geometry when the distance between the calibrated and probed sample regions is smaller than or equal to the beam spot size. The absolute error of the moving-beam diffraction geometry at DIAD with typical calibration setup remains below 0.01%, which is the accuracy we observe for the beamline with stable beam operation.
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Dec 2025
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
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Loris
Chavée
,
Emile
Haye
,
Jochen M.
Schneider
,
Stanislav
Mráz
,
Andreas
Pflug
,
Dennis
Barton
,
Armel
Descamps
,
Claudie
Josse
,
Jérôme
Müller
,
Pavel
Moskovkin
,
James
Marrow
,
Amael
Caillard
,
Stephane
Lucas
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[34010]
Abstract: The deposition of functional coatings on open-cell foam substrates using magnetron
sputtering is gaining popularity, particularly for applications like Oxygen Evolution
Reaction (OER)/Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) catalysis, batteries, and
supercapacitors. While most research focuses on performance, little attention has
been paid to the coating growth mechanisms or properties within the foam, which could
significantly impact device performance. This work investigates the properties and
growth mechanisms of TiO₂ coatings inside porous foams, using experimental and
modeling techniques.
The structure, composition and thickness of the coating on the outermost surface of
the foam are studied using Focused Ion Beam (FIB), Scanning Transmission Electron
Microscopy (STEM), Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Selected Area
Electron Diffraction (SAED) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy
(HRTEM). The experimental results reveal the formation of a dense, (quasi-
)stoichiometric and crystalline coating.
Numerical simulations and experiments highlight the transport of plasma particles in
the foam. Interestingly, Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC)/Particle-In-Cell Monte
Carlo (PICMC) models, coupled with Mass-Energy Analyzer (MEA) experiments,
demonstrate that the particle flux is reduced, but the particle energy distribution is not
Accepted Manuscript affected while traveling inside the foam. Using kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) thin film
growth models provided by Virtual CoaterTM, the physical properties of the coating
inside the foam have been modeled, and the drop in coating thickness as well as the
impact of bias voltage on densification, resistivity, and optical absorption are
confirmed. Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction (SXRD) analyses of the foam demonstrate
that the same crystalline phase is obtained along the foam thickness, but it can be
tailored with bias voltages. The decrease in the recorded SXRD signal with increasing
depth inside the foam also suggests a drop in coating thickness.
The new insights on the properties of coatings inside open-cell foams presented in this
study can be used to improve future foam-based devices.
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Dec 2025
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing
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Franck P.
Vidal
,
Shaghayegh
Afshari
,
Sharif
Ahmed
,
Alberto
Albiol
,
Francisco
Albiol
,
Éric
Béchet
,
Alberto Corbí
Bellot
,
Stefan
Bosse
,
Simon
Burkhard
,
Younes
Chahid
,
Cheng-Ying
Chou
,
Robert
Culver
,
Pascal
Desbarats
,
Lewis
Dixon
,
Johan
Friemann
,
Amin
Garbout
,
Marcos
García-Lorenzo
,
Jean-François
Giovannelli
,
Ross
Hanna
,
Clémentine
Hatton
,
Audrey
Henry
,
Graham
Kelly
,
Christophe
Leblanc
,
Alberto
Leonardi
,
Jean Michel
Létang
,
Harry
Lipscomb
,
Tristan
Manchester
,
Bas
Meere
,
Claire
Michelet
,
Simon
Middleburgh
,
Radu P.
Mihail
,
Iwan
Mitchell
,
Liam
Perera
,
Martí
Puig
,
Malek
Racy
,
Ali
Rouwane
,
Hervé
Seznec
,
Aaron
Sújar
,
Jenna
Tugwell-Allsup
,
Pierre-Frédéric
Villard
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[29820]
Open Access
Abstract: gVirtualXray (gVXR) is an open-source framework that relies on the Beer–Lambert law to simulate X-ray images in real time on a graphics processor unit (GPU) using triangular meshes. A wide range of programming languages is supported (C/C++, Python, R, Ruby, Tcl, C#, Java, and GNU Octave). Simulations generated with gVXR have been benchmarked with clinically realistic phantoms (i.e. complex structures and materials) using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, real radiographs and real digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs), and X-ray computed tomography (XCT). It has been used in a wide range of applications, including real-time medical simulators, proposing a new densitometric radiographic modality in clinical imaging, studying noise removal techniques in fluoroscopy, teaching particle physics and X-ray imaging to undergraduate students in engineering, and XCT to masters students, predicting image quality and artifacts in material science, etc. gVXR has also been used to produce a high number of realistic simulated images in optimisation problems and to train machine learning algorithms. This paper presents a comprehensive review of such applications of gVXR.
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Nov 2025
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
E02-JEM ARM 300CF
I12-JEEP: Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing
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Abstract: This thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into the ultrasound-assisted processing of Al alloys and graphite materials using ultrafast synchrotron X-ray imaging and megahertz (MHz) X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) microscopy techniques, with emphasis on understanding the multiscale and multiphysics mechanisms driving multiphase evolution of Al alloy in solidification and the layer exfoliation of graphite materials. The unifying theme is the exploration of how ultrasonically generated physical phenomena, i.e., cavitation, shockwaves, and acoustic streaming, govern microstructural evolution at multiple scales. This comparative approach provides a comprehensive understanding of ultrasound-matter interactions, revealing universal principles that can be applied to optimize processing parameters for a wide range of materials. The key findings are summarized as follows:(1) In-situ synchrotron X-ray tomography and diffraction revealed, for the first time, the nucleation and co-growth dynamics of multiple Fe-rich intermetallics and their dynamic interactions with the Al dendrites of the recycled Al-5Cu-1.5Fe-1Si alloy in solidification under ultrasound melting processing (USMP). USMP significantly refined the α-Al dendrites, modified the morphologies of α-Fe and β-Fe phases, and altered their spatial distributions, thereby enhancing structural homogeneity and potentially improving mechanical properties. (2) By taking the full advantage of MHz XFEL microscopy, we have imaged and quantified, at ns time scale and μm length scale simultaneously, the local shockwaves produced by the implosion of a single cavitation bubble, multiple bubbles and bubble clouds, as well as the layer exfoliation dynamics under such shockwave impacts. The results confirmed that exfoliation is governed not by a single implosion event, but by repeated cyclic forces induced by shockwave impact, with exfoliation behaviour strongly dependent on local defects and graphite structure. (3) Using quasi-simultaneous synchrotron X-ray tomography and diffraction, we have studied in-situ the complicated peritectic reaction mechanisms involving Al4Mn and Al6Mn phases in an Al-8Mn alloy during the solidification process. The real-time evolution of the spatial and orientation relationships between these intermetallics was quantified for the first time, revealing the highly anisotropic faceted growth and intricate coalescence patterns that deviated from the equilibrium solidification models.
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Nov 2025
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[36759]
Open Access
Abstract: Dynamic imaging and mechanistical investigations are crucial in the development of new materials, in understanding degradation and offer significant opportunity across diverse areas of materials research. Here we demonstrate the integration of a sample corrosion environment with imaging through low energy neutrons and synchrotron X-rays, and demonstrate this using steel, which is commonly used in the oil and gas industries. The novel flow cell technology, incorporating three-electrodes to link corrosion with imaging (2D and 3D with neutrons and X-rays) is unique and operates in-situ overcoming limitations around manipulating the environment around the sample. The compact flow cell enabled imaging of thin films of a few microns thickness. The combination of imaging and diffraction data are useful to characterize the degradation mechanism qualitatively and quantitatively over time with 3D tomography used to provide visual and volumetric information on film growth, porosity and pitting position. This work demonstrates the unprecedented capability of the in-situ flow cell to conduct degradation studies and elucidate mechanisms in ways never before possible.
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Oct 2025
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
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Bruno
Becker-Kerber
,
Jochen J.
Brocks
,
Nathaly L.
Archilha
,
Cristiane B.
Rodella
,
Valeri
Petkov
,
Eduardo R.
Deazevedo
,
Tairine
Pimentel
,
Rodrigo
Garcia
,
Duane
Petts
,
Janina
Czas
,
Omid H.
Ardakani
,
Anthony
Chappaz
,
Ângela
Albuquerque
,
Javier
Ortega-Hernández
,
Rudy
Lerosey-Aubril
,
Michael A.
Kipp
,
Benjamin
Johnson
,
Mathieu
Thoury
,
Cecilia M. A.
Oliveira
,
Hannah H. L. S. M.
Pimentel
,
Raul O.
Freitas
,
Flavio C.
Vicentin
,
Luiz G. F.
Borges
,
Jonathan
Almer
,
Jun-Sang
Park
,
Carla C.
Polo
,
Gilmar
Kerber
,
Lucas
Del Mouro
,
Milene
Figueiredo
,
Gustavo M. E. M.
Prado
,
Sharif
Ahmed
,
Miguel A. S.
Basei
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[32319]
Open Access
Abstract: The origin of terrestrial life and ecosystems fundamentally changed the biosphere. Lichens, symbiotic fungi-algae partnerships, are crucial to nutrient cycling and carbon fixation today, yet their evolutionary history during the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems remains unclear due to a scarce fossil record. We demonstrate that the enigmatic Devonian fossil Spongiophyton from Brazil captures one of the earliest and most widespread records of lichens. The presence of internal hyphae networks, algal cells, possible reproductive structures, calcium oxalate pseudomorphs, abundant nitrogenous compounds, and fossil lipid composition confirms that it was among the first widespread representatives of lichenized fungi in Earth’s history. Spongiophyton abundance and wide paleogeographic distribution in Devonian successions reveal an ecologically prominent presence of lichens during the late stages of terrestrial colonization, just before the evolution of complex forest ecosystems.
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Oct 2025
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Alissa
Parmenter
,
Elis
Newham
,
Aikta
Sharma
,
Catherine M.
Disney
,
Hans
Deyhle
,
Federico
Bosi
,
Nick J.
Terrill
,
Brian K.
Bay
,
Andrew A.
Pitsillides
,
Himadri S.
Gupta
,
Peter
Lee
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[29633, 29784]
Open Access
Abstract: The function of all musculoskeletal joints depends on hierarchical structures spanning the molecular to whole-joint scales. Investigating biomechanics across length scales requires correlative multiscale experimental methods. This study applies multimodal in situ synchrotron imaging techniques to spinal joints—focusing on the vertebral endplates—to explore relationships between structure and mechanical strain across spatial scales. Strain mapping using digital volume correlation combined with microarchitectural analysis reveals that high tensile and shear strains play a role in the cartilage to bone transition. Correlative imaging and diffraction show that bone contains narrower mineral nanocrystallites under greater compressive prestrain compared with calcified cartilage. We hypothesize that this multiscale structural adaptation supports the mechanical function of the intervertebral disc. Future applications of the techniques presented here have potential to help unravel the biomechanical underpinnings of pathologies affecting mineralized tissue structure. The multiscale structure-function relationships uncovered here may inspire the design of biomaterials and orthopedic implants.
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Jul 2025
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
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James
Le Houx
,
Daniel
Mckay Fletcher
,
Alberto
Leonardi
,
Katherine A.
Williams
,
Nancy
Walker
,
Fernando
Alvarez-Borges
,
Ebrahim
Afsar Dizaj
,
Madhu
Murthy
,
Ronan
Smith
,
Liam
Perera
,
Navid
Aslani
,
Andrew
James
,
Sharif
Ahmed
,
Tiina
Roose
,
Siul
Ruiz
Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[30961, 32138, 33343]
Open Access
Abstract: Soil compaction and escalating global drought increase soil strength and stiffness. It remains unclear which plant root biomechanical mechanisms/traits enable growth in these harsh conditions. Here, we combine synchrotron X-ray computed tomography with spatially resolved X-ray diffraction to characterize the biomechanics of a replica root-soil system. We map the strain field around the root tip analog, finding strong agreement with finite element simulations, thereby demonstrating a promising new in vivo measurement protocol.
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Jul 2025
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[32319]
Open Access
Abstract: The evolutionary onset of animal biomineralization in the late Ediacaran (ca 555–538 Ma) is marked by the global appearance of enigmatic tubular fossils with unresolved phylogenetic relationships. Among these, Corumbella werneri from the Tamengo Formation (Corumbá Group, Brazil) has been variously interpreted as affiliated with cnidarians or bilaterians. Using synchrotron imaging and machine learning, we analysed new specimens of C. werneri to reconstruct their original skeletal organization. Our findings reveal that Corumbella’s tubes were originally conico-cylindrical. Large individuals of Corumbella, including less compacted specimens, and compression experiments with modern annelid tubes all indicate that previous reconstructions of a quadrate outline and midline features were misled by taphonomic artefacts. We also show that the wall of Corumbella is composed of a single layer of ring-shaped elements. Unlike the fourfold symmetry of scyphozoans or the complex cataphract-like structures of Cambrian bilaterians (e.g. halkieriids, tommotiids and wiwaxiids), Corumbella displays structural similarities with other late Ediacaran corumbellomorphs, such as Costatubus. These taxa exhibit a distinctive barrel-on-barrel tube construction, with modular elements stacked on each other rather than nested. Our findings redefine Corumbella’s morphology and phylogenetic affinities, contributing to a broader understanding of early biomineralizing metazoans and their ecological roles in the Ediacaran biosphere.
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May 2025
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DIAD-Dual Imaging and Diffraction Beamline
I13-2-Diamond Manchester Imaging
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Diamond Proposal Number(s):
[32980]
Open Access
Abstract: Machine learning techniques are being increasingly applied in medical and physical sciences across a variety of imaging modalities; however, an important issue when developing these tools is the availability of good quality training data. Here we present a unique, multimodal synchrotron dataset of a bespoke zinc-doped Zeolite 13X sample that can be used to develop advanced deep learning and data fusion pipelines. Multi-resolution micro X-ray computed tomography was performed on a zinc-doped Zeolite 13X fragment to characterise its pores and features before spatially resolved X-ray diffraction computed tomography was carried out to characterise the topographical distribution of sodium and zinc phases. Zinc absorption was controlled to create a simple, spatially isolated, two-phase material. Both raw and processed data are available as a series of Zenodo entries. Altogether we present a spatially resolved, three-dimensional, multimodal, multi-resolution dataset that can be used to develop machine learning techniques. Such techniques include the development of super-resolution, multimodal data fusion, and 3D reconstruction algorithms.
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Feb 2025
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