Multi-User Facility for SAXS/WAXS Studies on Nanoscale Structures in Controlled Environments.

建议获得最新一代、最先进的小角和广角X射线散射(SAXS/WAXS)仪器，以在环境条件控制下，为表征材料和产品的纳米和细观结构、其应用和加工提供多种研究能力。研究范围的例子包括各种样品，如高度有序的液晶、无定形粉末、致密的高性能合金和稀蛋白质溶液。SAXS和WAXS在两个互补的长度尺度区域中提供结构信息，其中SAXS提供粒子的总体尺寸、形状和结构，对于块状材料，其内部纳米结构的范围为1-500 nm，而WAXS为液体、凝胶和固体相中具有长程分子有序性的组件提供亚纳米(分子级)结构。实验室SAXS/WAXS仪器的最新发展导致了性能阶跃的变化，许多实验缩小了与高亮度同步加速器SAXS光束线的差距。因此，高强度源(双重和三重能量解决方案)、无散射准直和最新的探测器进步为新的机会打开了大门。该设备将允许我们开发、集成和测试新的、多功能的样品环境，在工艺和合成条件下研究材料纳米结构。该仪器将作为位于哈威尔的多用户和多学科SAXS/WAXS研究设备，与利兹大学(UOL)和钻石光源建立战略关系。它将(I)为UOL和英国利益相关者提供丰富的科学进入点，预计他们每年共享超过160天的实验光束时间；(Ii)允许开发和测试新的样品环境；(Iii)作为培训下一代X射线散射专家的重点；(Iv)为行业主导的研究创建设施；以及(V)为卓越网络倡议提供核心，该网络将加强活动并将活动与英国当地的SAXS实验室联系起来。除了一支经验丰富的核心团队外，一名高素质的技术人员将支持仪器的维护，最重要的是，支持访问此SAXS/WAXS设备的所有内部和外部用户。我们还要求支付UOL和DLS合作伙伴在机构之间旅行的费用。这种能力为表征复杂的软物质、聚合物、金属和合金、生物材料和先进的固体材料开辟了新的视野，这些材料和先进的固体材料用于制药和医疗保健、食品、精细化工、信息和通信技术(ICT)、能源、过程工程和制造等领域。

It is proposed to acquire a latest-generation, state-of-the-art Small- and Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) instrument to versatile research capability for the characterization of nano- and mesostructure of materials and products, their application and their processing, under control of environmental conditions. Examples of research range include samples as diverse as highly ordered liquid crystals, amorphous powders, dense high performance alloys and dilute protein solutions. SAXS and WAXS provide structural information in two complementary length scale regimes, with SAXS providing the overall size, shape and structure of particles and, in the case of bulk materials, underlying internal nanostructure in the range from 1-500 nm, while WAXS offering sub-nm (molecular level) structure for components with long range molecular order in liquid, gel and solid phases.Recent developments in laboratory SAXS/WAXS instruments have resulted in a performance step change, for many experiments closing the gap to high brilliance Synchrotron SAXS beamlines. High intensity sources (dual and triple energy solutions), scatter-less collimation and the latest detector advances have thus opened the door to new opportunities. The facility will allow us to develop, integrate and test novel, versatile sample environments investigating material nanostructures under process and synthesis conditions.The instrument will operate as a multi-user and multidisciplinary SAXS/WAXS research facility at Harwell, under the University of Leeds (UoL) strategic relationship with the Diamond Light Source. It will (i) be a rich scientific access point of excellence for UoL and UK stakeholders who are expected to share more than 160 days of experimental beamtime per year, (ii) allow the development and testing of new sample environments, (iii) act as a focus for training the next generation of X-ray scattering experts, (iv) create a facility for industry-led research, and (v) provide the nucleus for a Network of Excellence Initiative that will strengthen and connect activities to other local SAXS-Labs in the UK.In addition to a large core team of experienced staff, a highly qualified technician will support the maintenance of the instrument, and most importantly, support all internal and external users who access this SAXS/WAXS equipment. We also request travel funds to cover the expenses of the UoL and DLS partners travelling between institutions.Such a capability opens up new horizons for the characterisation of complex soft matter, polymers, metals and alloys, bio-materials and advanced solid materials used in sectors such as pharmacy and healthcare, food, fine chemicals, information and communications technology (ICT), energy, process engineering and manufacturing.