Leading Light: Dr David Eastwood

Dr David Eastwood, research fellow at Diamond, was one of the facility’s first users in 2007 when he was a postgraduate student at the University of Durham. Back then, David used Diamond’s X-rays to examine sensors that read the magnetic information stored in a computer’s memory. Now, he is based at Diamond as part of the University of Manchester at Harwell’s collaboration with I13-2. His research interests include reactive materials like batteries and catalysts, as well as airborne materials such as aerosols and particulate matter, which became very relevant during the Covid pandemic.

By using X-ray imagine and tomography techniques at Diamond and other synchrotrons, he designs electrochemical experiments. He also looks at X-ray diffraction and surface scattering techniques, nanofabrication, thin film deposition and electron beam lithography.

Further to this, David has also explored how batteries evolve when changed and discharged to how ice cream changes when it freezes and thaws again, X-raying how the ice crystals grow. He has also worked with other scientists in the field of regenerative medicine and biomaterials, looking at replacement tissues knee joints and cartilage.