Stabilising the beam: analysis and mitigation of vibration at Diamond

Diamond Light Source helps deliver world leading science by shining a very bright, tightly focussed small light beam (a few microns) on small samples. The beam of light is generated by accelerating an electron beam using electromagnets. This light beam is then focussed at long distances from the source by specialised mirrors and crystals. Any vibration along the electron beam or light beam path can have a detrimental effect on scientific experiments - think about holding a very long and heavy camera lens and trying to get a sharp, well focused picture of a distant object.

The aim of the project is to better understand vibration at Diamond, what triggers it, and how to mitigate it. You will measure, analyse and model vibrations on a range of structures: prototype girders for the Diamond-II upgrade and existing beamline optics, aiming to improve their behaviour and inform future designs. You will also evaluate advanced measurement systems, including audible measurements and interferometry.

During the project you will gain a hands-on, practical understanding of vibration modelling, analysis and mitigation in a high precision scientific environment. You will become competent in planning and executing a test campaign, and on obtaining meaningful insights from experimental data.