Dynamics and extreme conditions

Synopsis

The scientific programs of the Dynamics and Extreme Conditions Group cover all classical domains of natural sciences with a significant impact in applied fields such as Earth, environmental and planetary science, catalysis, soft matter, material synthesis, and nanoscience. The introduction to the group's chapter in the annual ESRF Highlights gives an overview of some recent accomplishments.

High pressure structural studies employ monochromatic (angle-dispersive) diffraction using diamond anvil cells (DAC) to pressures beyond 200 GPa and in temperature from 5K to 5000K. The DAC techniques are complemented by the Paris-Edinburgh press (on ID27), and the large volume press (currently being commissioned on ID06).

Structural dynamics such as collective excitations in disordered materials and phonons in crystalline materials are investigated by inelastic X-ray or by nuclear inelastic scattering. Furthermore, nuclear resonance scattering allows the study of diffusion and rotational motions directly in the time domain.

Electronic and magnetic properties are studied utilising nuclear resonant scattering (including their corresponding dynamics in the nanosecond to microsecond time regime), X-ray absorption (XAS) and X-ray emission spectroscopies (XES). These spectroscopies are employed for chemical characterisation, including in situ studies of low-Z elements and of valence shell and collective excitations in inorganic compounds.

Techniques

• X-ray diffraction
• Inelastic X-ray scattering
• Nuclear resonance scattering
• Absorption and emission spectroscopy (time-resolved)

Industrial applications

The ESRF’s mission includes interacting with and supporting European industry. Synchrotron X-rays permit analysis of industrial products under real conditions of manufacture and use, often in real time.

The capabilities of this group's beamlines are used to address issues in environmental science, catalysis, soft matter, material synthesis, and nanoscience.

The individuals listed above and the staff of the Industrial and Commercial Unit are available to help industrial researchers identify appropriate resources at the ESRF.

In-house research

In-house research runs in parallel to beamline operation, helping us to develop and refine techniques while investigating diverse scientific areas. Details for each beamline are on our in-house research page. 

Collaborating Research Group beamlines

From time to time, staff and users have connections with the following beamlines, which are operated by Collaborative Research Groups (CRGs).

• BM01 Swiss-Norwegian Beamlines (X-ray absorption and diffraction)
  
• BM30B FAME (French Absorption Spectroscopy Beamline in Material and Environmental Sciences)