Access routes

1. Standard access

Diamond has two main Calls for Proposals each year, with deadlines in March and October. If you submit a proposal through this route, they will reviewed by the peer-review panel. 

We strongly recommend contacting us before submitting proposals.

2. Rapid Access

Rapid Access is also available at B18 for short/urgent ex-situ experiments, for e.g. proof of concept experiments / quick measurements to include in publications as a reply to referees' comments, etc. Please contact the PBS, Diego Gianolio before submitting a Rapid Access request. All Rapid Access proposals should be submitted through UAS. 

3. Block Allocation Group (BAG) access:

This mode of access is available for the following:

•  Energy Materials:

In batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaics, etc., the constituent materials undergo redox reactions and local structural changes; hence XAS measurements are an essential tool for their characterisation. The Energy materials BAG provides regular and speedy access to the core XAS beam line, B18, for rapid assessment of the materials being studied by the BAG teams. The focus is on conventional, ex-situ XAS experiments at room temperature and a fast throughput of samples.  If you have samples that fall in the aforementioned categories please contact Alan Chadwick or Giannantonio Cibin. 

• Catalysis:

 The UK Catalysis Hub runs a BAG, providing members of the Hub network and all groups doing catalytic science in the UK with frequent and flexible access to B18 (two proposal calls per Allocation Period).  It is possible to obtain beamtime on a rapid turnaround - particularly useful when additional measurements are required on a short timescale to finish pieces of work for publication. Measurements can be both in-situ  or ex-situ. For more information, please visit the UK Catalysis Hub website.

• Radioactive Waste Disposal and Environmental Remediation (RAWDER):

RAWDER is focused on Radioactive Waste Disposal and Environmental Remediation. The main objectives for RAWDER are to secure a pathway for XAS analysis of radioactive samples to support the UK’s nuclear environment and waste management portfolio of research; gain efficiencies in beam time use across the current UKRI, industry and university funded nuclear researchers and provide an essential, regular and flexible access route to B18. For more information, please contact Katherine Morris or Tom Neill.