EPSRC Core Equipment 2022 - Royal Holloway, University of London

这项建议中要求的设备是通过一个战略过程来选择的，以建立新的能力，并升级我们EPSRC资助的学者所依赖的关键研究基础设施。Bruker D8 Discovery是用于材料研究应用的先进X射线衍射系统，它具有灵活的设计，允许对从粉末、非晶态和多晶材料到外延多层薄膜的各种材料进行结构表征。选择该系统的部分原因是其开创性的即插即用衍射仪设计，使该仪器成为多用户环境的理想选择。操作的简单性使我们可以将用户群扩大到新入门的研究人员(包括ECR、博士后研究人员和博士后)，同时保持专家用户所需的功能。D8 Discovery是对现有的用于大块单晶样品的高度专业化的X射线衍射表征设备的补充。利用额外的机构支持，我们将把这些仪器放在同一地点，以创建一个可访问的多用户X射线表征套件。皇家霍洛威的实验研究由机械和电气车间中熟练的精密工程师和技术人员提供支持。与研讨会团队的互动促进了对研发的早期职业参与，快速成型和设计支持对于研究技能基础的发展至关重要。一项利用STFC和内部资金进行升级的方案已开始用计算机数字控制(CNC)工具取代手工操作的车间工具。数控机床提高了制造效率，并确保了可持续性(就与未来劳动力的技能兼容而言)。在这份提案中，我们继续这一过程，并通过购买5轴数控铣削系统来增强能力。5轴(正常的X、Y、Z轴加上围绕另外两个轴A和B的刀具旋转)使生产速度更快、精度更高、加工质量更高，并能够加工使用3轴系统无法加工的零件。这些设施将加强伦敦大学皇家霍洛威大学在关键战略领域的现有研究，这些领域得到了大量内部和外部投资的支持，包括开发用于计量、传感和量子计算的新量子技术、低温量子材料研究、自旋电子学、能源应用材料(电池和热电材料)。

The items of equipment requested in this proposal were selected via a strategic process for creating new capabilities, and upgrading key research infrastructures that our EPSRC-funded academics rely upon. The Bruker D8 DISCOVER is an advanced X-ray diffraction system for material research applications, it has a flexible design that allows for structural characterization of the full range of materials from powders, amorphous and polycrystalline materials to epitaxial multi-layered thin films. The system was chosen in part for its pioneering plug & play diffractometer design which makes the instrument ideal for a multi-user environment. The simplicity of operation allows us to broaden the user base to researchers new to XRD (including ECRs, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students) while maintaining the features required by the expert users. The D8 DISCOVER complements existing highly specialized XRD characterization equipment for bulk single crystal samples. Using additional institutional support we will co-locate these instruments to create an accessible multi-user x-ray characterization suite.Experimental research at Royal Holloway is supported by skilled precision engineers and technicians in the mechanical and electrical workshops. Interactions with the workshop team promotes early career involvement in R&D. Rapid prototyping and design support are essential for the development of the research skills base. A programme of upgrades with STFC and internal funding has begun to replace manually operated workshop tools with computer numerical controlled (CNC) tools. The CNC tools increase the efficiency of manufacturing and ensure sustainability (in terms of being compatible with the skills of a future workforce). In this proposal, we continue this process and enhance the capability through the purchase of a 5-axis CNC milling system. The 5-axis (the normal X, Y, Z, plus tool rotation around two additional axes A and B) CNC system allows for more rapid production, more accuracy, better quality finish, and the ability to machine parts that are not possible using the 3-axis systems.These facilities will enhance existing research at Royal Holloway, University of London, in key strategic areas which are supported by significant internal and external investment, including the development of new Quantum technologies for metrology, sensing and quantum computing, cryogenics quantum materials research, spintronics, materials for energy applications (battery and thermoelectric materials).