Support Facilities

Sample Prep

There is a sample preparation area on the beamline with two microscopes, a stereomicroscope for looking at crystals down to 10 μm in size and a high magnification microscope for looking at very small crystals down to 1 μm, both equipped with a camera system. There are a variety of crystal manipulation and mounting tools including a device for keeping the sample cold on the microscope.

Lab 5

Additionally, there is a peripheral laboratory nearby, dedicated to I19 users, which will allow visiting researchers to perform recrystallizations and simple, known, reproducible syntheses prior to the start of their beamtime.

The laboratory has wet and dry chemistry areas and facilities available to I19 users include:

• Stereomicroscope
• Crystal manipulation and mounting tools
• H₂O and O₂ free glove box (Argon) with integrated microscope
• Fume cupboard
• Fridge-freezer (5 °C / -20 °C)
• Drying oven
• Balance with 1 mg accuracy
• Stirrer hotplates
• Vacuum desiccator
• Melting point apparatus
• Glassware

Consumables, including labels, pipettes, spatulas, lab coats, disposable gloves, etc. will be on hand and a select range of solvents will be available. Please contact a member of the beamline team for more information on what is offered as other items and equipment may be available on request or, it may be possible to bring certain items and small quantities of solvent with you.

The majority of facilities have been available from the start of operation in October 2008 and will continue to develop in response to user demand. If you have any questions or suggestions for these areas, please contact the I19 beamline team.

MCL

There is also a materials characterisation laboratory which houses a variety of instruments including a single crystal X-ray diffractometer, AFM/MFM, SQUID VSM, wire-bonder and a sputter coater.  These are available to be booked as part of a beamtime visit and more information on the facilities available can be found here.