Applying for beamtime

I14, the hard X-ray nanoprobe beamline at Diamond Light Source, is currently accepting users.

We are offering a staged roll out of techniques and users should look at the Beamline Instrumentation page for updates on sample environments and experimental methods.

For further information on access to I14 please visit the Access Routes page of the Diamond User Office. Useful information on applying and preparing beamtime can be found here.

General remarks:

Sample preparation is critical in X-ray microscopy and it is frequently found that sample preparation is underestimated, or more than one attempt is needed to discover or optimise the protocols essential for a successful experiment. Please see our page on sample requirements for more information.

In order to optimise the success of I14 experiments beamline access is organised as follows:

• Please register or login to the Diamond UAS and 'Create New Proposal' - You will receive an email from Diamond every time the proposal application window is open.
• Once registered, the application needs to be identified as standard call, rapid access or long-term proposal.
• At the 'Science Overview' tab please pick up the more updated version of science-case template and fill it in following the internal section's guidelines and constraints.
• Add as many investigators as desired. You may include any i14 staff member (or Diamond staff) if your proposal is part of a research collaboration.
• During your proposal preparation, please select 'I14 - Hard X-ray nanoprobe' at the 'Instruments' tab, and "Answer Instrument Questions". If unsure of how to answer any of these, please contact an I14 staff member. Unless you need access to the external laboratories and/or facilities, usually you have to reply "No" to the two questions at the bottom of the main instruments tab.
• Preliminary discussions with i14 staff regarding number of shifts to be applied (1 shift = 8 hours, 3 shifts = 1 beam-day) is highly recommended.
• List all the expected experimental samples plus the standards, identifying them as either non-toxic, chemical or biological samples. Fill all the associated questions regarding sample concentration and known hazards.
• Only list the external instrumentation you are bringing to Diamond in the "Equipment" tab.
• An experimental method must be written, describing the nature of your samples (ex-situ deposited on a silicon nitride window, in-situ cells) and the analysis you want to perform (i.e. XRF, XANES, XRD, ptychography).
• Check that all sections are completed and the beamtime proposal is updated before submitting your proposal.