Block Course

4028101– Accelerators and synchrotron radiation for materials research with tutorials and a practical training

The KIT Light Source (KLS) with the Research accelerator KARA is an electron synchrotron that produces brilliant synchrotron radiation, such as in the x-ray range for a wide range of applications. A portfolio of experimental end stations is provided by several institutes at KIT to perform cutting-edge sample analysis.

Aim of the course is to make the KIT light source accessible to students and to let them benefit from the unique availability of this large-scale infrastructure. Synchrotron radiation is a central tool for materials analysis, but a systematic practical training in generation, properties and its use is demanded. Within 2 weeks the attendees acquire a basic knowledge in accelerator science, generation of synchrotron radiation, x-ray methods and the use of large-scale facility setups not only in lectures, but especially with a particular focus on the hands-on training.

lectures on:

basics of accelerator physics: accelerator types and applications, beam optics, measurement of beam parameters
generation of synchrotron radiation and its properties,
in situ and operando characterization on thin films, nanostructures, biological objects, energy-related materials
applications of different x-ray methods (Spectroscopy, Imaging, Scattering)

tutorials on:

deflection of charged particle beams at the example of a cathode ray tube
beam diagnostics devices using synchrotron radiation
KLS controls and diagnostics,
practical imaging and computed tomography analysis,
x-ray spectroscopy analysis
thin film analysis by x-ray reflectivity and scattering

Experiments and hands-on on synchrotron dynamics and diagnostics, selected x-ray experiments at KLS beamlines:

Beam optics simulation in MAD-X:	Learn how a model of a particle accelerator is set up and its beam optics is calculated. Based on that model you will explore the beam dynamics of an electron storage ring.
Beam characterization at the VLD port:	Using synchrotron radiation you will learn to use a set of diagnostics devices that will allow you to do a full 3D characterization of an electron bucnh in the KARA storage ring.
X-ray Imaging:	Learn how to set up an imaging beamline, how to choose the appropriate conditions for the beam, acquiring a CT scan, analysing the data
X-ray spectroscopy:	Learn to use the x-ray wavelength as an element- and chemically sensitive tool, map elemental content of samples, understand the information on chemical and local state of targeted elements
X-ray scattering:	Learn how to use x-ray scattering and reflectometry to characterize the crystal structure and morphology of functional thin films

Tentative schedule

Time	Mon, October 6	Tue, October 7	Wed, October 8	Thu, October 9	Fri, October 10
09:00–10:15	Introduction: Accelerator types and applications	Lecture: Interaction of x-rays with matter, methods and applications	Lecture: Synchrotron light sources in comparison to colliders	Lecture: Imaging methods in life sciences	Lecture: Measurement and control of beam parameters
10:45–12:00	Introduction: Research with x-rays	Lecture: Basics of beam optics and beam dynamics	Lecture: Energy-related materials and x-ray spectroscopies	Lecture: Generation of synchrotron radiation and its properties	Lecture: In situ characterization of thin films and nanostructures
12:00–13:15	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
13:15–16:00	Lab visit	Tutorial: Cathode ray tube: steering of charged particle beams	Tutorial: KARA research infrastructure	Tutorial: Imaging / diffraction methods	Tutorial: EXAFS / XANES

Group	Mon, October 13	Tue, October 14	Wed, October 15	Thu, October 16	Fri, October 17
A	Safety training + Introduction into instrument control	Spectroscopy	Imaging / diffraction	Synchrotron diagnostics	Simulation accelerator
B	Safety training + Introduction into instrument control	Simulation accelerator	Spectroscopy	Imaging / diffraction	Synchrotron diagnostics
C	Safety training + Introduction into instrument control	Synchrotron diagnostics	Simulation accelerator	Spectroscopy	Imaging / diffraction
D	Safety training + Introduction into instrument control	Imaging / diffraction	Synchrotron diagnostics	Simulation accelerator	Spectroscopy

Final Colloquium

A half-day colloqium will be held during the winter term (e. g. in November) upon discussion. Each group will present the results of one of the experiments in a talk or a poster session.

Ask us a question

Is the course interesting for you? What are the benefits? How does it fit into your studies? What are the requirements? Practical details?

Instead of a briefing we offer a discussion round on Zoom. The following link will be open at the proposed date:

Meeting: Synchrotron compact course
Time: September 9, 2025 - 17:00h Amsterdam, Berlin, Rom, Stockholm, Wien
Meeting-ID: 610 5708 0232
Kenncode: yYK80v*K

Registration and requirements

The compact course is open to students within a Master course and more advanced attendees, such s PhD students or early postdocs.
practical training is limited to about 12 attendees
Priority will be given to master students and the date of registration.
Please register within this ILIAS page

Contacts

Literature

Books:

R. Wille: Physik der Teilchenbeschleuniger und Synchrotron-strahlungsquellen (Springer 1992)
R. Hölzle (Hrsg.): Synchrotronstrahlung zur Erforschung kondensierter Materie, IFF Ferienkurs, Band 23.
Albert C. Thompson, et al.: X-RAY DATA BOOKLET (CXRO Berkeley)
Als-Nielsen, D. McMorrow: Elements of Modern X-ray Physics (Wiley, 2001)