World-changing science careers at Diamond Light Source

Cephise Cacho - Principal Beamline Scientist (I05) What is your professional background and how did you come to work at Diamond? In 2000, I obtained my PhD in Condensed Matter Physics (spin polarised transport) from the Ecole Polytechnique in Palaiseau (Paris). This was followed by a postdoctoral role at the UK’s Daresbury Laboratory, where I was responsible for developing a very sophisticated detector to measure the spin of photoemitted electrons. Later I worked at Artemis in the Central Laser Facility (CLF) part of the UK Research and Innovation’s Science and Technology Research Council (UKRI-STFC), where we measured electrons dynamics after excitation by ultrafast lasers. I joined Diamond in 2018 in the role of Principal Beamline Scientist. What do you do and how does your experience help? At Diamond I am responsible for the I05-ARPES beamline which is dedicated to the study of the electronic structures of novel materials and builds on my experience. Our primary technique is Angle-Resolved PhotoEmission Spectroscopy (ARPES). I lead a talented team doing fundamental research as well as supporting beamline users. It is important that we maintain and develop the beamline to the highest level. A typical day is a balance between time on experiments, scientific research and administrative work which require high concentration levels. We study the electronic structure of quantum materials with potential application for the electronics of tomorrow – more powerful and faster electronics for device miniaturisation used in mobile phones, computers, and other devices. This involves looking in new materials with exotic properties to understand their microscopic physics with a view of discovering new phenomena. They include two dimensional materials which are made of few atomic layers and offer serious potential to make very compact devices. I enjoy the discovery aspect of this work. Seeing the way electrons behave in materials can be full of surprises. I enjoy making sense of what we see when we do our experiments. This is how we grow science knowledge and innovation. What is the most interesting project you’ve been involved in? Aside from the science, chairing the Universal Accessibility Network (UAN) at Diamond is profoundly interesting. Diamond’s aim is to create a supportive environment which embraces diversity and inclusiveness. Network members hail from various groups from Diamond and we meet as a committee every six weeks to organise awareness events. These include an Inclusion Week in September and International Day of Disability. It is part of Diamond’s Equality and Diversity Initiative (EDI) to create a culture of respect and acceptance. What is your favourite thing about working at Diamond? Embracing diversity is integral to the science and technology at Diamond. It is recognised that what we do is not just experiments with pieces of metal and electricity. We are human beings doing science. Taking care of our staff and colleagues has a positive impact on productivity and outcomes and leads to a deeper appreciation of human diversity.