Proposal & Science Case

Proposal background

Quantum materials are ubiquitous in our everyday lives from electricity generation to high-density data storage to medical imaging. Today, there is global effort to further understand and control the emergent properties of these materials, with the promise of next-generation low-cost, energy-efficient devices. Here, we propose to propel the understanding of quantum materials to new levels by constructing a state-of-the-art Coherent Soft X-ray Imaging and Dynamics (CSXID) beamline for high-resolution, element selective 3D imaging and dynamic studies of new and novel materials.

The new facility will revolutionise our ability to explore the static and dynamic 3D nanotexture of quantum materials with an array of leading edge sample environments and detectors coupled to a high-intensity polarised soft X-ray beamline specifically designed to take full advantage of the large increase in coherent flux from the Diamond-II upgrade. The CSXID beamline will then offer our user community the cutting-edge tools with which to explore and develop new materials based on unprecedented nanoscale functional insights. The CSXID beamline will facilitate state-of-the-art discovery research and innovation which directly relates to national grand challenges such as the Nanoscale Design of Functional Materials and New Quantum Technologies as well as research themes in the physical sciences such as Condensed Matter:Electronics Structure, Condensed Matter:Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, Spintronics, Materials for Energy Applications and Energy Storage. These areas are addressed by enhancing nanoscale 3D imaging of the chemical and physical processes critical for the development of dial-up phenomena in complex oxides, low-energy consumption and secure data-storage materials as well as speeding up the dynamics of topologically protected spin textures.

Full Science Case

For more information on this proposed new beamline, click the button below to download the Full Science Case:

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