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Abstract: We present the conceptual design of a universal materials-research beamline based on the undulator of a fourth-generation synchrotron-radiation source. The distinctive feature of the beamline is its capability to work with both spectrally narrow (ΔE/E ~ 10–4) and relatively broad, high-intensity radiation beams (5 × 10–2). The optical scheme enables rapid switching between diffraction, radiographic, and spectroscopic experimental methods while keeping the beam’s position fixed on the test sample and varying the spot size of the radiation from 100 nm to 1 mm.

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Abstract: The OCTOPI (Operando Computed TOmographic & Ptychographic Imaging) upgrade of the I13L beamline will occur as one of the selected (flagship) projects at Diamond Light Source, UK. The beamline I13L is dedicated to multi-scale, operando and high-throughput imaging. Two independent branchlines cover the micron to nano-resolution range, operating in the energy of 6-30keV. For operando imaging comparable recording times across the different length scales is important for studies under similar experimental conditions in terms of temporal resolution or number of specimen measured. Progress in throughput and data acquisition speed is achieved in different ways. A sample throughput of up to 300 samples a day is achieved for micro-tomography, using an automated sample changer. For imaging with grating interferometry and the full-field microscope, broadband radiation of the undulator source can be used. The bandpass is selected either with a multilayer monochromator or with filters and a mirror. Highest spatial resolution is achieved with ptychography, acquiring data with 10kHz speed and recording tomographic data sets within few hours. Across the different length scales, the gap between the recording times will be significantly reduced and permit multi-scale imaging on a similar number of specimen and time scales. We will discuss the aims of the upgrade and the science to be addressed. The design and layout options for the upgrade will be discussed.

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Abstract: This paper describes collaborative work carried out between engineering and beamline teams at the Diamond Light Source to further develop an automated ‘tractor-beam’ acoustic levitation system for across beamline sample delivery. To date great success has been had utilising the system for protein crystallography which has been detailed in papers published in Nature Scientific reports [1] and SRI conference proceedings [2]. These papers describe levitation of protein crystals in their mother liquor, free from any physical support, and via inherent motions, enables successful room-temperature protein structure determination in relatively short time frames. The latest device described here in detail is highly portable measuring only 100 mm tall, provides unimpeded access to the sample, requires only a few Watts of power, and costs only $100 to build. Additionally, the latest system, has an integrated PolyPico acoustic ejector, which provides the ability to remotely load the levitator with pico litre volumes of liquid, including suspensions of protein crystals. Given that the system can process the sample into the beam line, the positional control and absence of physical support, mixing and light activated experiments are also explored. Thus far, device application has been tailored towards, and experimentation carried out on a Macromolecular Crystallography beamline (I24). Given the inherent flexibility of the system, we are beginning to explore the potential application of the device on other beamlines, including small molecule diffraction, SAXS/WAXS (small/wide angle X ray scattering and XES (X ray emission spectroscopy), VMXI and X-ray Free Electron Laser XFEL applications. These applications are explored and preliminary results given in this paper.

Open Access

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Abstract: As the Diamond Light source moves towards upgrading to a 4th generation source, increasing x-ray powers and reduced focal sizes will require improved cryogenic cooling to ensure that the projected new levels of brilliance are achieved. This will create a greater demand for LN2, if current systems are maintained, laying a greater economic demand on the facility. As in most cases, new designs are tested using thermal-structural finite element simulation, neglecting the contribution of fluid flow. This leaves us without information about the effect of the fluid on the surface of the crystal, along with the efficiency of the flow itself. This results in under optimised cooling systems, leaving cooling capabilities of the system reduced, increasing the consumption of LN2. This paper presents a full fluid-structure-thermal model, showing the full effects of the flow of liquid nitrogen on the system. This paper will discuss this model in comparison to a conventional thermal-structure model.

Open Access

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Abstract: The UK national synchrotron facility, Diamond Light Source, is preparing for a major upgrade to the accelerator complex. Improved beam stability requirements necessitate the fast orbit feedback system be driven from beam position monitors with lower noise and drift performance than the existing solution. Short-term beam motion must be less than 2 nm/sqrt(Hz) over a period of one second with a data rate of 100 kHz, and long-term peak-to-peak beam motion must be less than 1 µm. A new beam position monitor is under development which utilises the pilot-tone correction method to reduce front-end and cabling perturbations to the button signal; and a MicroTCA platform for digital signal processing to provide the required data streams. This paper discusses the challenges faced during the design of the new system and presents experimental results from testing on the existing machine.