Find out more about our ambitious upgrade project, delivering more brightness, more coherence, and greater speed of analysis to UK science. More about Diamond-II
Find out more about Diamond's response to virus research.
World-changing scientific research relies on highly skilled technicians, whether exploring energy materials, studying pharmaceuticals, or testing aerospace engines. This is especially true at Diamond’s advanced beamlines, where technicians play a critical role in developing and maintaining these powerful tools.
Bob Humphreys is the Senior Beamline Technician on Diamond’s I12 Joint Engineering, Environmental, and Processing (JEEP) beamline. His role is to ensure the smooth running of I12’s state-of-the-art equipment, overseeing maintenance and modifications, and supporting scientific research.
Research on beamline I12 spans materials science, engineering, and chemical processing, extending to biomedical engineering, environmental science, physics, and cultural and natural heritage. Central to these studies is the ‘monochromator’, a sophisticated and unique X-ray optical device essential to the beamline’s function.
Bob is responsible for the regular maintenance of the monochromator, from replacing electrical switches and keeping an eye on electrical cables, to readjusting crystals, monitoring temperature gauges, amongst many more tasks. This he does in scheduled shutdown periods in close collaboration with beamline scientists and other technicians at Diamond.
The aim is to improve the monochromator’s mechanical reliability and eliminate components such as optical encoders, which are sensitive to beam damage. Future work includes changing the crystals in the monochromator, which is a big task given their location embedded in the mechanical equipment.
In tackling these challenges, Bob draws on a wealth of experience from a career spanning 44 years. Soon to retire, Bob’s aim is to pass on his skills to his replacement – Joshua Tee – I12’s next beamline technician. This knowledge transfer is vital for futureproofing the beamline’s readiness to deliver cutting-edge new science for Diamond-II.
Bob’s career started out in 1975 with a four-year Mechanical Apprenticeship at Abingdon College and SPP Reading, during which time he trained as a Mechanical Test Inspector. In 1980 he moved to the Dimensional Inspection Laboratory (Metrology section) at the Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) in Harwell, where he was responsible for checking materials, inspecting reactors, and testing reactor parts at facilities in the UK and abroad.
In 2005, Bob began his first job at Diamond, building huge girders as a contractor for the main storage ring, working with pumps, valves, and various gauges. From 2007, Bob took on the role of beamline technician, building I12’s beamline and monochromator, together with a team of other technical experts, including motion and rigging teams, electrical and mechanical engineers and technicians, surveyors, and many others. The monochromator was installed on the beamline in 2009.
Bob’s diverse skillset, encompassing pressure testing, vacuum testing, dimensional inspection, machining, and many other skills, proved pivotal for the role of beamline technician. His machining skills, for example, were valuable in assisting beamline users with modifying their equipment to fit the beamline. Furthermore, the shared experience between Bob and his colleagues, most of whom had previously worked at Harwell, provided a strong foundation for team building, networking, and identifying the right expertise when solving a technical problem. Later, Bob’s wealth of experience propelled him to the role of Senior Beamline Technician, heading up a team supporting the beamline’s groundbreaking research and powerful equipment, including the unique monochromator.
“The biggest highlight of my career at Diamond is when we got first light, which is when we could see the beam on the monitors. That was when we knew that everything we had done, worked! Another big highlight is my workmates, who throughout my career have been brilliant. We are one big family! I feel that we owe it to the next generation of technicians to similarly look after and encourage them.”
Bob Humphreys, Senior Beamline Technician for beamline I12
I12 is a high energy beamline that enables the study of macroscale samples which are representative of bulk materials and processes. The advantage of hard X-rays with energies above 50 keV is that the penetration of several millimetres through most materials is possible, especially through aluminium alloys, steel, and Ni-based alloys. Even uranium can be imaged up to a thickness of 0.5 mm. Secondly, scattering angles are small, and scattered X-rays are confined within a narrow cone. The only beamline in the UK with such high energies, I12 uses complex, enclosed sample environments already available on the beamline or brought by external collaborators in collaboration with the beamline scientists.
Uniquely at Diamond, the monochromator on I12 provides large high-energy beams for full-field imaging, at high intensity and moderate spectral resolution, but also monochromatic beams with high spectral resolution for diffraction measurements. This means the instrument can operate in polychromatic (‘white beam’) mode or monochromatic mode, up to 100 mm wide for imaging mode and small beams (50 mm wide) for energy-dispersive and angular-dispersive diffraction and scattering. Among I12 experimental techniques which make use of synchrotron radiation X-ray source, only a few require a polychromatic beam.
Synchrotron X-ray techniques include time-resolved imaging, tomography, or diffraction experiments, with scientists often combining imaging and diffraction in the same experiment. In a typical experiment, the monochromator selects an energy (or wavelength) from a continuous polychromatic radiation spectrum (containing several wavelengths). The light of the desired wavelength band is then directed onto the sample, detector, or another component of the optical system.
The combination of synchrotron X-ray imaging and diffraction techniques enables a diverse selection of applications to be investigated, ranging from energy storage/batteries and the inspection of engine parts, to analysing fossils and archaeological artefacts, in situ studies of soil-plant systems, and investigating pharmaceutical chemicals.
The internet and automation have significantly transformed the technological landscape since Bob began his tenure at Diamond. This presents a challenge given I12’s mix of aging and modern tech, necessitating a deep understanding of both for optimal maintenance and modification.
Josh’s training is therefore a hands-on, step-by-step process involving trouble shooting, safety checks, and day-to-day maintenance, knowing what questions to ask and what problems to look out for. Tasks range from greasing slides, checking electrics, connections, and crystals, to learning how to remove the heavy beamline roof panels and monochromator lid to inspect the internal workings of the equipment, which is no easy task. The roof panels and monochromator lid together weigh more than a ton and the whole process must be ultra clean to prevent dust getting into the machine.
Looking back, Bob is grateful for the flexibility and supportiveness of Diamond’s working environment, and the continuity in excellent working relationships with colleagues and line managers. Although a bit apprehensive about retirement, he is satisfied with what he has achieved at work. Bob’s focus going forward is to empower Joshua with the skills and knowledge to support the next wave of scientific achievements on beamline I12.
What I say to apprentices today is that although technology has changed since my apprenticeship, the principles are the same: get to know people, be open to a lifetime of learning, never ever be afraid to ask a question, and keep abreast of changes in technology and techniques. Be honest and humble, get to know people and learn from them. If someone has a new piece of technology, ask questions. That piece of tech could solve the problems you are working on in the future.
Bob Humphreys, Senior Beamline Technician on beamline I12
.png)
Our technicians and engineers are crucial in enabling the cutting edge science that takes place on site. Diamond’s uniqueness means that most equipment designed and built here is bespoke so we are able to provide varied, interesting experiences and opportunities you won’t find elsewhere.
Find more information here if you are interested in applying to Diamond's apprenticeships
To find out more about the I12 JEEP beamline, please contact I12 JEEP’s Principal Beamline Scientist, Dr Genoveva Burca, [email protected]
Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
Copyright © 2022 Diamond Light Source
Diamond Light Source Ltd
Diamond House
Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 0DE
Diamond Light Source® and the Diamond logo are registered trademarks of Diamond Light Source Ltd
Registered in England and Wales at Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0DE, United Kingdom. Company number: 4375679. VAT number: 287 461 957. Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number: GB287461957003.
A brighter light for science