Beamtime at ID27

Information for Users

In addition to the general information provided in the User Guide, this page gives information for new or existing users of ID27. The aim is to ensure that proposals submitted are technically feasible, and that scheduled experiments go as smoothly as possible. If you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact the ID27 team.

Writing a proposal

Many of the experiments carried out on ID27 are at the limits of current high pressure science, and we aim to facilitate these cutting-edge experiments wherever possible. Users may make use of our high pressure equipment and facilities, use their own equipment on the beamline, or a combination of both. Due to the wide range of possibilities:

  • Contact the ID27 staff to discuss the feasibility of your experiments and identify possible problems well before the proposal deadline. We will help you choose the most suitable high pressure beamline for your experiment.
  • If this choice is not possible at the time (or if you apply prior to discussion), write "ID27 / ID15B" as your choice for diffraction experiments (unless you are sure of otherwise). The beamline assignment will be made during the technical assessment.
  • You can visit the ESRF before submitting your proposal in the case of technically difficult experiments (e.g. laser heating, low-temperature work, experiments with important safety aspects).
  • Fill in the proposal-form. Note ID27 only accepts Standard Research Proposals.

Experiment Checklist

When the local contact is assigned
  • Get in touch with your local contact via e-mail to confirm the experiment specifications. The experiment will (at this stage) be scheduled to best fit your proposal to the changing beamline configurations, and the local contact's expertise.
  • If there are any changes to the specifications inform us as soon as possible. If there is a significant change the experiment may need to be re-scheduled.
  • Reserve any high pressure equipment needed for your experiment. For diamond anvil cells please reserve with SESS eight weeks (minimum) in advance, and in the case of high- or low-temperature DACs three months is required.
  • Special request submissions: gas bottles, cryogenics, mechanical work (e.g. custom stand for your DAC or equipment).  Ordering of gas bottles (especially non-standard gasses or gas mixtures) requires safety clearance and may have delivery time.
  • Ensure a completed A-Form is submitted and answer any concerns from Safety.
  • If you will need to use the Chemistry and Microimaging Laboratory (e.g. for inert atmosphere loadings, chemical manipulations, loading dangerous samples) follow these instructions. You must contact the laboratory staff at least 15 days before you arrive.
  • A comprehensive general checklist is available from the User Office.
  • Ship any samples or equipment to the ESRF following these instructions. Inform your local contact of any specific storage or safety considerations (e.g. refrigeration). Indicate clearly on the box the proposal number, main proposer, local contact, safety and storage conditions.
  • Make an experiment plan. Ensure that (i) you have enough equipment/samples to make productive use of the whole beamtime, (ii) you know what order samples will be studied, (iii) you have a backup plan in case of sample/equipment problems, and (iv) there is enough alert manpower for the experiment’s entire duration.
  • A small lab and workshop is available to prepare samples. Some consumables, chemicals and basic lab equipment are at your disposal. For any specific equipment needs, consult the support lab facilities or your local contact so they can be arranged.
  • Ensure you have access to a large portable hard drive with NTSF filesystem so that you can copy your data during your beamtime.
  • Pack all your equipment and samples carefully, making sure that you have everything you need for your experiment (or that it has been received safely by us).
  • Arrive on-site at least 24 hours before the start of your scheduled beamtime, or earlier in the case of very demanding experiments.
  • Check that all equipment is compatible, in working order, and familiarise yourself with our high pressure facilities. With the guidance of your local contact, you will be responsible for the preparation of the sample environment and the loading of your sample if this is to be done at the ESRF.
  • Make sure you leave enough time to prepare your DAC or PE press. Loading of Mbar DACs, samples in inert atmosphere, gas loading etc. all add significant time to your experiment.
  • Check with your local contact how to manage waste. Standard waste (control hutch), laboratory waste, flammable liquids and incineration boxes for sharps (laboratory) are available. Special waste containers can be arranged.
  • Ensure that the beamline and laboratory are kept in good order. A coffee machine and kettle are provided so feel free to use them, but remember to pay for any capsules used! Alternatively you can bring your own preferred coffee (Nespresso-type capsule).
  • Keep in contact with your local contact. If the experiment plan changes, tell them as soon as possible so any modifications can be made and problems can be anticipated.
  • Let us know of any equipment problems, damage, etc.
  • More detailed information can be found here: on site and practical information.
  • Please ensure that all areas of the beamline are tidy and that any waste has been disposed of according to correct procedures.
  • Check and return all borrowed equipment to its original state. For DACs, please empty and clean, and make a note of loading medium, max P, max T achieved for SESS.
  • Particular attention should be given to noting any important information/parameters before leaving. It is not always possible to provide missing experimental details after several months have elapsed (i.e. detector positions, wavelengths etc.).
  • Users wishing to record SPEC session log files and microscope images should also ensure that this is complete before departure.
  • Before leaving the ESRF site, please consider experimental data storage and transfer. If data needs to be copied onto CD's, DVD's, or hard disks, be sure to leave sufficient time to complete these operations. If the data is being transferred directly from off-site (using SSH), please don't forget to do this as soon as possible. All experimental data will be deleted after 50 days.

partners

European Synchrotron Radiation Facility - 71, avenue des Martyrs, CS 40220, 38043 Grenoble Cedex 9, France.