FROM THE DIRECTOR: THE LANGUAGES WE LOVE Stand in one of our tearooms and you’ll quickly realise from the accents around you that the Australian Synchrotron is a truly international facility.
We may be looking for an Australian pet name, but we are also proud to acknowledge the international character of Australia’s newest and brightest scientific facility. Among our 100-odd staff, we have people who are native or fluent speakers of a dozen or more different languages, including French, German, Swedish and Mandarin. The Australian Synchrotron building was constructed by people from 14 different countries. The beamlines are being built by a similarly diverse group of people. In short, we are selecting from the best the world can offer and making it our own. We are justifiably proud of our achievements, but the Australian Synchrotron was not built solely for reasons of national pride. Australia built a synchrotron because we really needed one. Australian and NZ users of synchrotrons, past and present, see synchrotrons in an overwhelmingly international light. And we are about to welcome the first of many international research groups seeking to utilise the unique characteristics of our world-class beamlines. We may speak different languages, but at the Australian Synchrotron we all understand one very important language in addition to the English we use every day. We share our ideas through the language of science. OUR FIRST USERS – WHERE ARE THEY NOW?In June 2007, a group of researchers from Auckland and Massey Universities in New Zealand became the Australian Synchrotron’s first external users.
Among the group was a young postdoc from Auckland University, Tom Caradoc-Davies, who collected data on the high-throughput protein crystallography beamline with the assistance of principal scientist Julian Adams. A year later, Tom is an essential part of the Australian Synchrotron’s protein crystallography (PX) beamlines team. As well as operating, maintaining and upgrading the beamlines, the PX team trains users and assists with data collection and interpretation. Tom also conducts his own independent research program. His main research interests are carrying out fragment-based drug design and developing methods and software for the user community, research into pore-forming toxins, and structure-based drug design targetting an enzyme involved in diabetes. “The staff here are a great bunch of motivated, intelligent people and I love working with the user community too,” Tom told Lightspeed. “I have to admit that I don’t enjoy the callouts at night – and neither does my family. In fact my wife made me change my mobile phone ring-tone to a rooster’s crow because we get woken up so often at night. However, the night callouts are an essential part of the service we provide to users and the rest of the job is great.” Tom says the most exciting recent development in crystallography is robotics. “Robotic sample loading means that users can collect data from the best sample they have rather than the first sample they found that diffracted reasonably. For a given beamline, a sample robot significantly improves data quality because users are able to select the few perfect crystals from their dozens of samples.” Lightspeed would like to hear from other early users of the Australian Synchrotron, or the first external users on particular beamlines. Please send a short email to info@synchrotron.org.au with “Early users for Lightspeed” in the subject line. SYNCHROTRON USER ADVISORY COMMITTEEWould you like to nominate yourself or a colleague for the Australian Synchrotron User Advisory Committee? The advisory committee is an independent group that will provide advice to the Australian Synchrotron Director on all aspects of facility operation from a user's perspective. Its role is to:
The committee will have 10 members representing a broad national and regional spread of Australian Synchrotron users. Members will be elected by popular vote, and announced at the Users Meeting in December 2008. Send your nomination with a brief biographical note to user.office@synchrotron.org.au
A FINE PIECE OF DETECTOR WORKThe Australian Synchrotron’s Martin de Jonge and David Paterson recently co-authored two papers on the use of specialised phase contrast detectors with a scanning transmission x-ray microscope (STXM). Traditionally an STXM uses x-ray absorption and/or fluorescence emission spectroscopy techniques to obtain valuable elemental, structural and chemical information from a very diverse range of samples with submicron resolution. The ongoing development of specialised phase contrast detectors significantly extends the applications to imaging of thin biological specimens. The first paper, in the Journal of Synchrotron Radiation [1], reports on the development of the segmented charge-integrating silicon detector that provides simultaneous absorption and differential phase contrast. This detector can be used in combination with a fluorescence detector for simultaneous acquisition of transmission and fluorescence data. Images obtained at the Advanced Photon Source demonstrate the superiority of phase contrast over absorption for specimens composed of light elements. A separate article in Physical Review Letters [2] describes the theoretical basis for quantitative phase imaging with the STXM, and demonstrates this with a test measurement of latex spheres. This robust technique can be combined with fluorescence microscopy to determine elemental concentrations from a single x-ray measurement. This work paves the way for high resolution studies of trace elements in predominantly biological samples such as single cells on the microspectroscopy beamline at the Australian Synchrotron. Quantitative phase imaging enables determination of volume or thickness of, for example, a cell. This information combined with trace element quantification from fluorescence microscopy enables concentrations to be determined. The ability to determine concentrations of biologically important trace metals such as iron, copper, and zinc will be a great advantage to bio-science researchers because concentration is critical in regulation of healthy development and disease pathways. The Australian Synchrotron microspectroscopy beamline will be operational in early 2009. If you are interested in microspectroscopy experiments at the Australian Synchrotron, contact David Paterson david.paterson@synchrotron.org.au or Martin de Jonge martin.dejonge@synchrotron.org.au or go here. [1] Differential phase contrast with a segmented detector in a scanning x-ray microprobe, B. Hornberger, M. D. de Jonge, M. Feser, P. Holl, C. Holzner, C. Jacobsen, D. Legnini, D. Paterson, P. Rehak, L. Struder, S. Vogt. J. Synchrotron Rad. (2008) 15, 355-362. SOFT X-RAYS, HARD SCIENCE
Researchers from the University of South Australia recently used the soft x-ray beamline to study how surface and bulk mineral impurities can affect the processing of chalcopyrite, an important copper sulphide mineral. The researchers, Dr David Beattie, Dr Sarah Harmer and PhD student Robert Acres, will use their soft x-ray results as part of a larger AMSRI (Australian Mineral Science Research Institute) project that aims to develop a better understanding of the flotation response and leaching behaviour of chalcopyrite in the presence of impurity phases such as chalcopyrite/bornite composite particles. Flotation and leaching are important industrial processes for the extraction of copper from copper sulphide ores. Heterogeneous mineral samples provided by the South Australian Museum were analysed on the soft x-ray beamline after being fractured under vacuum, then leached/oxidised for different periods of time and analysed again. The newly installed glove box made it possible to condition the samples in an inert atmosphere and avoid any risk of oxidation resulting from exposure to air during transfer from solution to vacuum chamber. The small spot size of the X-ray beam enabled the researchers to interrogate individual mineral phases on the heterogeneous sample surface. Preliminary analysis of the data suggests that the surface species that form on chalcopyrite in solution are present in different proportions depending on whether the sample is pure or a chalcopyrite/bornite composite. If you are interested in soft x-ray experiments at the Australian Synchrotron, contact Bruce Cowie bruce.cowie@synchrotron.org.au or go here. BEAMLINE FOCUSInfrared Beamline
The infrared microscopy beamline continues to demonstrate its versatility. Recent users of the ATR objective have examined a wide range of samples, including reverse osmosis membranes from water treatment plants, oil inclusions in sedimentary quartz grains, ‘green’ geopolymer cements, and 19th century documents affected by the deterioration of iron gall inks. A second IR microscope, Hyperion 3000 Focal Plane Array, has been delivered and is undergoing extensive evaluation and testing in the synchrotron’s chemistry laboratory. It will eventually be moved to the IR beamline sample preparation area to enable users to collect large area overview IR images from their samples prior to high resolution mapping using the existing beamline instrument. This microscope is jointly funded by the Australian Synchrotron and Monash University.
Mark Tobin, Principal Scientist, IR Spectroscopy
The basic installation of the SAXS/WAXS beamline optics is now complete and we are preparing for commissioning with x-ray beam in August. The sample table for the endstation is complete. As with all the major SAXS/WAXS endstation systems, the sample table was completely designed, engineered and integrated by Australian Synchrotron staff to meet the beamline’s wide-ranging and demanding requirements. The precision X-Y-Z translation stage will be the workhorse system for precise positioning of specimens in the beam. The table is designed to allow a vast range of sample environments to be used; a bank of additional motion stages will enable users to fully exploit the beamline’s capabilities, including grazing incidence scattering techniques. The photo shows the second half of the beamline optics in the SAXS/WAXS experiment hutch: mirrors, collimation system and beam conditioning table, with the sample table in the foreground. Nigel Kirby, Principal Scientist, SAXS/WAXS HOW TO APPLY FOR BEAMTIMEThe third round of submissions for 2008 beamtime at the Australian Synchrotron closed on 1 July 2008. This call was for beamtime between September and December 2008 on the protein crystallography, infrared microscope and high resolution far-IR, powder diffraction and soft x-ray spectroscopy beamlines. Key dates for the next round (2009/1) are listed here. If you would like to discuss your ideas for future beamline proposals, with the beamline scientists at the Australian Synchrotron, please allow plenty of time. For more information about applying for beamtime at the Australian Synchrotron, contact the User Office: user.office@synchrotron.org.au USER SURVEYWe are seeking feedback on your experience as a user of the Australian Synchrotron. Your comments will help us improve the services and facilities available for users. If you have completed an experiment at the Australian Synchrotron, please download the survey form from here. TRANSFER OF ASRP OPERATIONS TO AUSTRALIAN SYNCHROTRONResponsibility for coordination of access to international synchrotrons by Australian researchers was transferred from the Australian Synchrotron Research Program (ASRP) to the Australian Synchrotron on 1 July this year. From 1 July 2008, all international synchrotron access and associated travel funding for Australian users will be handled through the Australian Synchrotron User Office rather than ASRP. International access funding provided prior to 1 July will need to be acquitted through the ASRP office at ANSTO as usual. The Australian Synchrotron's international access program for Australian researchers will cover facilities currently managed by the ASRP, including beamlines at the Advanced Photon Source (ChemMatCARS and XOR beamlines 1, 2, 4 and 20), the Australian National Beamline Facility at the Photon Factory and NSRRC in Taiwan. Please contact us at user.office@synchrotron.org.au if you have any questions about Australian access to overseas synchrotron facilities or about the transition from the ASRP to the Australian Synchrotron. A SYNCHROTRON BY ANY OTHER NAME As noted in the June edition of Lightspeed, we are looking for a new name. Not to replace 'Australian Synchrotron', which will remain our official name, but to use as a nickname or pet name. Many synchrotrons around the world have short names derived from light source terminology. For example, the Berliner Elektronenspeicherring-Gesellschaft für Synchrotronstrahlung in Germany is known simply as BESSY. The French national synchrotron facility is Soleil. The Sincrotrone Trieste in Italy is Elettra. Japan's 8 GeV synchrotron photon ring is SPring-8. For the Australian Synchrotron, we would like a pet name that is quintessentially Australian in character, easy to remember and not too long. We invite all members of the synchrotron community and interested onlookers to submit their suggestions by email to info@synchrotron.org.au by 31 October 2008. The entries will be peer-reviewed and a short list of suitable names will be selected and submitted to the Australian Synchrotron Board to make a final decision. The chosen name will be announced at the 2008 User Meeting in Melbourne in early December 2008. READER FEEDBACK MORE INFORMATION Email: info@synchrotron.org.au
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In the first of a series of short interviews, we put science and beamlines development manager David Cookson through his paces.
Describe your job in 25 words or less. Best aspect of your job? Worst aspect of your job? Who is your favourite person at the synchrotron, and why? What are you currently reading at work? What are you currently reading at home? Best thing about living in Melbourne, and why? Your favourite overseas destination, and why? EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA IUMRS-ICEM 2008: Synchrotron Radiation (Symposium J) International Conference on Electronic Materials Topics covered in the synchrotron radiation symposium at IUMRS-ICEM 2008 will include:
In-service course for VCE teachers 8 August 2008, Australian Synchrotron This half-day professional development workshop will include lectures, demonstrations, hands-on practical sessions, a tour of the Australian Synchrotron, handouts, advice on classroom activities and information on additional resources available to teachers. The program will be presented by qualified teachers and synchrotron scientists. To find out more about this event, contact Dan O’Keefe, Australian Institute of Physics (Vic. Branch) Education Committee, on 03 9561 7602 or at danok@bigpond.com
17 – 19 September 2008 This workshop will focus on high resolution imaging of biological samples using synchrotron and laser X-ray sources, as well as pioneering electron and light microscopy techniques and protein structure determination techniques. Top international speakers will present their work in the areas of:
Additional features include a site tour of the Australian Synchrotron, poster & oral presentations and a workshop dinner. Western Australian X-Ray Users Conference and Schools The Australian X-ray Analytical Association WA and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Analytical Chemistry Group have announced the dates for the Western Australian X-Ray Users Conference and Schools. X-ray Diffraction School: Friday 10 October 2008 The conference will be held at the Event Centre at Technology Park. The schools will be held at Curtin University and/or the University of Western Australia. More information is available from Geoffrey Carter at Curtin University of Technology COMMUNITY OPEN DAY The Australian Synchrotron open day is a once-a-year opportunity to see inside the synchrotron. Entry and parking are free, but participants will need to register. More details will be posted soon. A-O Week of the Australian Synchrotron Australia plays host to researchers from the Asia-Oceania region at The A-O Week of the Australian Synchrotron from 1 to 5 December. The week features a series of important events beginning with a meeting of the Science Advisory Committee (SAC) planned for 1 December. This is followed by the Australian Synchrotron Users Meeting on 2-3 December and the third Asia-Oceania Forum for Synchrotron Radiation Research (AOFSRR) on 4-5 December. Satellite activities include the Next Generation Science Workshop on 4 December. More details available here. 11th International Symposium on Radiation Physics (ISRP-11) 21-25 September 2009 ISRP-11 is organised by the International Radiation Physics Society (IRPS) and is supported by DEST, the Australian Synchrotron and the Victorian Government. The meeting is devoted to current trends in radiation physics research. EVENTS OUTSIDE AUSTRALIAFor additional information and listings, see here. ‘XAFS for Beginners’ Workshop1-10 September 2008, MAX-lab, Lund, Sweden This workshop will consist of talks and hands-on exercises for beginners in the field of x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) data collection and analysis. It will address XAFS experiment design, theory and data analysis. The workshop is free of charge, but the number of participants is limited. Registrations close 18 August 2008. 14th NSRRC Users’ Meeting & Workshop on X-ray Crystallography / Spectroscopy NSRRC international users are invited to submit posters on their research experiment findings. Abstracts can be submitted online here or emailed to user@nsrrc.org.tw by Friday 8 August 2008. The workshop on 9 October will highlight synchrotron applications in the cutting-edge research of X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy. BioCARS Workshop on Time-resolved Macromolecular Crystallography This workshop will provide hands-on training in designing and conducting time-resolved experiments and in Laue data processing and analysis. Participants will also learn about recent upgrades to BioCARS insertion device beamline 14-ID X-ray and laser facilities. Registration is $75 for students and $125 for others. Participants must fund their own travel to and from APS. Students may apply to BioCARS for limited financial assistance. More information will be posted soon on the BioCARS website. Further information: Vukica Srajer (v-srajer@uchicago.edu) or Jane Andrew (andrew@cars.uchicago.edu).
CAREERS AT THE AUSTRALIAN SYNCHROTRON The Australian Synchrotron offers a unique working environment for a wide range of specialists. More information on job postings.
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