Applying for Time on I15-1

These pages will tell you about what kind of experiments can be done on I15-1, the different access routes that we use, and some hints and tips for getting time.

What kind of experiment can be proposed?

Experiments on I15-1 range from very simple, 1-hour experiments where a user might want to collect a couple of PDFs at room temperature; all the way up to very complex 5-day in situ measurements using a bespoke sample environment.

The “Standard” Configuration

The standard configuration on I15-1 is to contain solid or liquid samples within a glass tube which we refer to as a capillary. This capillary is held horizontally by one of several holders/spinners/sample changers on the beamline.

Extensions of the Standard Configuration

Lots of in situ experiments can be performed using a simple alteration of this standard configuration, and this is the preferred route for most experiments of this type. We can heat or cool the capillary using one of our variable temperature devices. Rather than sealing the end of the capillary we can open the end to a particular gas atmosphere. We can flow liquids, gels, and suspensions through a capillary and probe reactions as they happen.

Other Capillaries

Most synchrotron facilities have their own preferred supplier of capillaries, and we are no different. To ensure we can subtract the scattering from the container as reliably as possible, we need to use capillaries that are made to an exacting tolerance, and this means they need to be extruded, rather than hand-drawn. Our capillaries therefore have walls that are thicker than those you may have used elsewhere; but this means they are easier to mount, more robust, and much more reproducible. When your experiment is scheduled we will give you with the capillaries you require for your experiment.

We try and avoid using capillaries made from other materials, such as polyimide/kapton, or sapphire. The full list of capillaries we keep in stock can be found here.

Bringing Your Own Sample Environment

Sometimes an experiment is constrained in such a way that we cannot perform it using the equipment we already have on the beamline. In these cases, we will work with you to try and develop a bespoke solution for your sample environment.

Access Routes

There are several different ways to get awarded some beamtime on I15-1.

Diamond/ISIS Joint Proposals

In some cases it is strongly beneficial to collect complementary X-ray and neutron data. Diamond and ISIS have teamed up to provide an easy way into both facilities.

Hints and Tips

Writing proposals can sometimes seem like a tricky task; here are some tips to writing a good proposal and maximising your chances of being awarded time.