SST-1 RSoXS Beamline User Guide

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This page provides a step-by-step guide for users at the SST-1 RSoXS Endstation. It is important that you read this page carefully and follow all steps.

New/prospective users

  1. If you are interested in learning more about the RSoXS capabilities at SST1 and/or becoming a user, start by contacting the beamline scientist.
  2. Schedule a (video) meeting with the beamline scientist to discuss proposed measurements. Be ready to share/discuss the following:
    • Key research questions
      • What is the overall goal of this project?
      • What information might RSoXS provide that is not available through other measurement techniques?
    • Sample chemistry
      • What elements are present, and in what concentrations?
      • Do these elements have atomic absorption edges that are within the energy range of the beamline?
      • Are there two or more elements in the material that might have absorption edges at similar energies?
      • What functional groups are present, and how are their dipole moments oriented?
    • Assembled structure of the material
      • What size scales are present in the sample? Will the scattering angles be visible on the available detectors at the desired energies?
      • Can the assembled features be oriented as desired? e.g., can lamellae be oriented perpendicular to the substrate?
    • Sample form/environment (e.g., dry film, solution, thickness, etc.)
      • Samples should be thin films below 200 nm thickness. Is this possible? Is it representative of the physics in the intended sample environment (see key research questions)?
      • RSoXS and transmission NEXAFS samples often are prepared on silicon nitride membranes (e.g., NX5200C from Norcada) that allow transmission through the substrate.
        • Drop casting is easiest, but thickness/roughness is less controllable.
        • Floating might be compatible for certain sample chemistries.
        • Spin coating might be possible if done very carefully, but the silicon nitride window can break easily.
        • Back etching would require assistance from the NIST Gaithersburg team.
      • TEY NEXAFS can be performed on thin film samples on silicon wafers.
      • Liquid RSoXS capabilities are in very early stage of development and would require assistance from the NIST Gaithersburg team. It is best to start with solid samples if possible.
        • Is flow required, or can a static sample be measured?
        • What are the viscosities of the samples?
  3. In some cases, it might make sense for prospective users to send a few preliminary samples to the beamline scientist to check feasibility prior to submitting a General User proposal. Below are samples that are often suggested for preliminary measurements:
    • Thin films on Si wafers of pure components in a multi-component system. TEY NEXAFS can be performed (at varying angles/polarizations) to extract optical constants and model scattering.
    • 1-2 samples of the multi-component system on silicon nitride. Preliminary RSoXS measurements can be performed, and the data can be analyzed to see if there are any promising results.
  4. In the meantime, feel free to explore the wiki and especially the literature and resources on the main page.

Getting approved and scheduled for beamtime

See the NSLS II User Guide for up-to-date procedures on preparing a proposal, required trainings, and deadlines.
The operating schedule is split into three 'cycles' per year. Beamtime is allocated on a competitive basis through the NSLS-II proposal system.

To apply:

  1. Register as a user in PASS
  2. Submit a proposal for beamtime. It is highly recommended that you contact the beamline scientist to discuss feasibility of proposed experiments and share a proposal draft well in advance of submitting your proposal. After submitting a proposal, please send an updated copy of the proposal to the beamline scientist with changes tracked from the last draft version that the beamline scientist saw.
  3. If you already have an active proposal, submit a beamtime request. Remember you must request Beamtime EVERY CYCLE
  4. The proposals will be reviewed. The beamline scientist will notify you whether or not your proposal was allocated time. At this point, let the beamline scientist know your unavailable dates at a minimum, and feel free to also provide preferred and non-preferred dates.
  5. If beam time is allocated and a suitable time is found, the beamline scientist will notify you of your scheduled beam time dates.

Prepare for beam time

Complete these steps after your beam time has been scheduled.

Complete general NSLS II access and safety requirements

Follow all directions at https://www.bnl.gov/nsls2/userguide/. Note: Review all items in the side-bar in detail. This resource and the contact links it includes (NSLS-II User Office, GUV Center) cover many requirements that are outside the control of the beamline scientist. If you do not complete these on time, you will not be able to perform experiments or access data collected at the beamline. In particular, be sure to:

  1. Apply for an active BNL appointment at least 45 days ahead of beamtime and complete your trainings (detailed below): Userguide - before arrival
    • GE-CYBERSEC is cyber security training. Complete this training early on well ahead of arriving at BNL.
    • GE-COMPUSE-AGREE is the computer user agreement. Complete this as soon as possible after the cybersecurity training prior to arriving at BNL.
    • TQ-GSO (https://training.bnl.gov/portal/TQ-GSO) is the Guest Site Orientation. Onsite users should complete this training early on well ahead of arriving at BNL.
    • PS-NSLS-II-USER-MOD (https://training.bnl.gov/portal/PS-NSLS-II-USER-MOD) is the NSLS-II User Safety Module. Onsite users should complete this training early on well ahead of arriving at BNL.
    • PS-ESH-FAC-BRIEF (https://training.bnl.gov/portal/PS-ESH-FAC-BRIEF) is the NSLS-II Facilities-Specific ESH Briefing. Onsite users should complete this training early on well ahead of arriving at BNL.
    • TQ-GERT (https://training.bnl.gov/portal/TQ-GERT) is the General Employee Radiological Training. Onsite users should complete this training early on well ahead of arriving at BNL.
    • PS-BST-7-ID-1 is an in-person walk-through of the beamline and review of hazards. This will be completed and signed off after arriving at the beamline.
    • Additional trainings may be required depending on the details of the samples and experiments.
  2. Complete your safety approval form (SAF) at least 30 days ahead of beamtime ((in PASS) and see the userguide)
  3. Register for a BNL computer account UserGuide-Computer Accounts and Two-Factor Authentication.

Make sure your site access and SAF are fully approved 1-2 weeks ahead of beam time. If they are not, contact the NSLS II User office and let the beamline scientist know.

Schedule your arrival. For users who need a new badge or parking pass, plan to arrive when the badging office is open or contact the User Office to coordinate arrivals at other times.

Prepare and test beamline workflow items

  • Prepare a spreadsheet with sample and acquisition details and upload to your proposal folder.
    • Coming soon: link to spreadsheet and guide for how to fill it out
    • Coming soon: instructions on how to dry-run spreadsheet
  • Prepare to access the beamline computers
    • Let the beamline scientist know you would like data access and or remote control access. Email the Beamline Scientist with your proposal number, your life number and your BNL username
  • Prepare to access your data
  • Prepare to analyze your data

Prepare samples and how they will be transported to the beamline

  • Coming soon: sample preparation advice
  • Review the wiki instructions on how to pack up your samples safely and effectively
    • Guiding principles: Clear labeling and 'just enough' packing/adhesive. Resist the temptation to create a puzzle box for the beamline scientist.
  • Upon SAF approval you will receive an email with mailing instructions
  • For shipped samples:
    • Ask the beamline scientist to provide a shipping address. Using the wrong or slightly incorrect address may cause delays in shipping.
    • FedEx has provided reliable shipping in the past. Avoid USPS, as there have been issues in the past.
    • Samples should arrive at least 2 business days before beamtime to be safe. E.g., for weekend beam times, samples should arrive by Friday morning at the absolute latest. It can take additional time for samples to be delivered to the beamline from the NSLS II shipping dock.

Schedule a measurement review video call with the beamline scientist to occur 1-2 weeks before beam time

  • Discuss your sample list (high-level), measurement configurations, and scientific goals from this run
  • Share/discuss your tested sample bar excel workbook file and your time estimates/ prioritization
  • Learn about any challenges at the beamline (construction, configuration limitations, etc.) that may affect your measurements
  • During the meeting (or set up a time with the beamline scientist when the beamline computer is not being used), check that remote access to beamline computers and logging into beamline computers works properly.
  • (Not in use currently) Make sure you are added to the SST-1 RSoXS Instrument Slack Channel to receive real-time updates on scan progress.
  • If in-person, discuss your arrival to the beamline and overall timeline.
  • If remote, find out when the beamline scientist will be loading your samples, and be sure to be available during this time to avoid any confusion and mislabeling of samples.

During Beamtime

Access the beamline (onsite users):

  • Refer to the NSLS-II user guide check-in instructions for obtaining/renewing a badge and for a map of the facility.
  • SST-1 is located in building 743 (yellow theme), ahead and to the left from the entrance to the experiment hall.
  • Check that everyone's badge is able to unlock the door to the experimental floor (and also the lobby during nights and weekends)

Complete onsite safety requirements (onsite users):

  • Ensure your PS-BST-7-ID-1 training is up-to-date. If not, complete the walk-through with the beamline scientist and submit the signed form.
  • Complete additional training for any specific laboratory spaces used to prepare samples.
  • Ensure that the beamline scientist posts the SAF and that it can be viewed from the touch screen monitor near the passageway of the experimental floor.

Finalize sample mounting in the laminar flow hood or sample preparation bench after coordinating with the beamline scientist

  • Ensure that everything is labeled, secured, and kept tidy. The sample preparation areas may be shared across different measurement stations.

Follow the Beam time workflow and Bluesky Guide

Prepare beamline workflow software

Beamline operation

  • Remote Access (Guacamole) (Training Required) Provides access to the RSoXS endstation computers.
  • Remote access (Horizon virtual desktops)
    • Install VMware Horizon Desktop Client (web client still does not work as well) at https://vdi.nsls2.bnl.gov/
    • Launch the desktop app and add server: vdi.nsls2.bnl.gov/
    • Log in with BNL credentials and DUO two-factor authentication
    • The service is still in beta testing. Look through the FAQs or submit a Feedback Form if there are any questions or concerns.
    • TODO: Not exactly for beamline operation, update where this is listed.

Data viewing and access

Analyze data

After Beamtime:

Clean up anything that belongs to you in the sample preparation areas and near computers. Transport samples back to home institution

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