Simon Alcock, Senior Metrology Scientist

What/where did you study?

After completing A-levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, I studied for an Master of Physics degree at the University of Leicester. Throughout my time as an undergraduate, I grew to love the city, and was impressed by the research within the Physics department. This inspired me to undertake a PhD under the supervision of Prof. Colin Norris & Dr. Chris Nicklin at Leicester. My PhD was industrially sponsored by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (now Qinetiq) and concentrated on the use of synchrotron light, and complementary techniques, to probe the structure of semiconductor surfaces and superlattice interfaces. Understanding the growth and ordering of semiconductor layers is vitally important to create the nanotechnology devices that we all rely upon in our daily lives.

As a schoolboy, I vividly remember my teacher telling me that atoms and molecules were too small to see, but before my very eyes our x-ray data enabled us to observe individual layers of atoms being deposited onto a surface and self re-arranging! After a brief introduction, I was thrust into the driving seat and taught how to operate a beamline and collect experimental data. We used numerous beamlines at several different synchrotron facilities, including Daresbury and the ESRF, which gave me a first opportunity to experience the euphoric highs and disasterous lows of beamtime! I can also highly recommend the croissants at the ESRF!

Aside from getting to grips with beamlines, I spent many challenging, and often frustrating, days battling with  experimental equipment to produce, and maintain, near perfect atomic-scale surfaces. Take it from me: the best way of understanding how an instrument works is figuring out why it isn't working in the first place! These experiences also taught me the importance of perseverance, improvisation and "thinking outside the box"!

What do you do here and how does your experience help you do your job?

In 2002, I began providing scientific assistance to Colin Norris in his then role as interim scientific director of Diamond. After completing my PhD I joined Diamond on a permanent basis in Autumn 2003. At that stage, all of Diamond's staff could comfortably fit into a small meeting room, and Diamond House and the synchrotron building were still just plans on a piece of paper. My experience of using synchrotrons and x-ray diffraction helped me to complete a range of scientific tasks for the Directorate, including calculations to model the x-ray flux generated by insertion devices at Diamond. Aside from science, the role also gave me a powerful insight into the organisation and budget planning required to efficiently build and run a large scientific facilty.

In 2005, combined elements from my former job with my PhD research, i joined the Optics & Metrology group as a Metrology Associate, and was tasked to characterise the surface of synchrotron mirrors. One of my first objectives was to help to specify and oversee the build of the metrology cleanroom lab. Over the past five years we've fully equipped the lab with a suite of state-of-the-art metrology instruments. As Senior Metrology Scientist, i'm now responsible for design, procurement, commissioning, and operation of the metrology instruments used for in-situ (beamline) and ex-situ (metrology cleanroom lab) testing of Diamond's synchrotron mirrors and beamline components.

What do you like about your job?

I love the sheer challenge and variety of my role: whether it be pushing the metrology instruments to their limits, creating novel measurement techniques, or collaborating with manufacturers to fabricate the next generation of synchrotron mirrors. Every single day is completely different! My personal rules are: never think about the value of an optic (normally ten's of thousands of pounds, and months worth of fabrication!) whilst carrying it across the lab; every once in a while stop to think how small a nanometre really is; and always remember to take off your silly cleanroom hat when you go to lunch! I also really enjoy interacting with the cosmopolitan mix of people who work at Diamond, and finding out about other nationality's customs and culture.