Centre for molecular and materials science at TRIUMF

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The Centre for Molecular and Materials Science (CMMS) at TRIUMF is a facility that serves a broad community of scientists who make use of the TRIUMF beams of muons and radioactive nuclides to investigate diverse areas of chemistry, physics and materials science. Specifically, CMMS provides equipment and support personnel to enable visiting researchers to make use of muon spin spectroscopy (muSR) or beta-detected nuclear magnetic resonance (beta-NMR and beta-NQR). The beams provided by TRIUMF make CMMS unique in Canada. Indeed, there is no other high intensity muon source in the Americas, and only three others in the world (Japan, Switzerland and the U.K.). The muon and beta-emitting nuclides act as microscopic probes of internal magnetic fields in materials. Thus, muSR and beta-NMR are both used to study novel superconductors and magnetic materials. Beta-NMR is particular useful for the study of thin films. In other systems a muon can bind to an electron to form a muonium atom, which is, chemically, an isotope of hydrogen; applications include the study of hydrogen atom kinetics, organic free radicals and hydrogen-doped semiconductors. Since CMMS provides facilities at several beam lines, and Users typically visit TRIUMF for one or two weeks at a time, two or three times a year, there is frequent turnover of equipment and research personnel at the target stations. It is therefore necessary for the spectrometers and allied equipment to be held in common and managed by a core of permanent staff, who train and assist Users, ensure safe and efficient operation, and provide the continuity necessary for maintenance and development. The essential equipment and personnel comprise the core of the Centre for Molecular and Materials Science at TRIUMF. An increase in support personnel is needed to cope with the recent expansion of the beta-NMR facilities and the current installation of a new muon beam line. In addition, a CFI-funded project will bring further muon facilities within three years.