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.

The course will take place 7-11 October and 14-18 October 2024 at Campus Nord.

Contents

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 hand-on’s 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

Schedule similar to 2023 course as seen below as example

time Monday, October 9th Tuesday, October 10th Wednesday, October 11th Thursday, October 12th Friday, October 13th

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 lunch lunch lunch lunch lunch

13:15

–

16:00

 visit tutorial: Cathode ray tube: steering of charged particle beams tutorial: KARA research infrastructure tutorial: Imaging methods tutorial: EXAFS/XANES

 

group Monday, October 16th  Tuesday, October 17th Wednesday, October 18th Thursday, October 19th Friday, October 20th

 

A

Safety training +

Introduction into instrument control

Spectroscopy

Imaging

Synchrotron diagnostics

Simulation accelerator

 

B

Safety training +

Introduction into instrument control

Simulation accelerator

Spectroscopy

Imaging

Synchrotron diagnostics

 

C

Safety training +

Introduction into instrument control

Synchrotron diagnostics

Simulation accelerator

Spectroscopy

Imaging

 

D

Safety training +

Introduction into instrument control

Imaging

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 discussion rounds on Zoom. The following links will be open at the proposed dates of:

Meeting: Synchrotron compact course I
Time: 10. Sep. 2024 17:00h Amsterdam, Berlin, Rom, Stockholm, Wien
Meeting-ID: 632 8163 1468
Kenncode: YeFxL&V6

Meeting: Synchrotron compact course II
Time: 2.Oct. 2024 17:00h Amsterdam, Berlin, Rom, Stockholm, Wien
Meeting-ID: 652 0242 1183
Kenncode: 8RT@AwQ#

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

B. Härer (IBPT)

S. Stankov (IPS)

A. Plech (IPS)

Literature

Books:

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