Enabling microfocus & thin film X-ray scattering at the University of Southampton

X-ray diffraction is the main technique by which scientists and engineers study the structures of crystalline materials, however some sample types are often neglected due to the requirement for specialised instrumentation and expertise. This proposal provides advanced equipment to apply diffraction and related methods to a series of lesser-studied sample types of great importance in technology and in understanding environmental processes. These include thin layers of material on surfaces, where information about atomic separations, particle sizes, crystal orientation and changes in the size of the lattice due to interactions with the underlying material can be obtained. This will be critical to the understanding of a range of functional materials with applications in energy conversion and storage, electronics, optoelectronics and engineering. It will also be possible to study very small regions of a material, this is important in examination of single components or regions of a sample where variations are important in understanding properties. Sample types include minerals, where the structure of individual grains will contribute to knowledge of interactions with the environment, and single components of grids of material designed to have specific interactions with light.

Our strategy is formulated around the specific aim of embedding advanced X-ray scattering experiments into a series of world-leading research projects across several disciplines and academic units at the University of Southampton. This aim will be achieved not just by providing the equipment, but also by educating a broad research community about the types of information that can be obtained from X-ray diffraction and reflectivity and how to perform these experiments and analyse data. The equipment will be managed in the first year of operation in a manner designed to maximise opportunities for a large number of researchers to try out experiments with high level support for data colection and analysis. A series of measures have also been designed to ensure that this impact is sustained, including a network of high level users and incentive systems for groups to maintain expertise.

The key user groups are at the forefront of research in new materials deposition, energy conversion and storage, electronics, optoelectronics, engineering materials, oceanography and environmental science. The main impacts felt outside the University will be in enhanced quality outputs from a large number of research projects in these areas. After the initial year of operation, however, it may also be possible to make some time available for selected users from outside the University of Southampton to use the equipment. This would then similarly impact the work of these academic and/or industrial users.

We strongly believe that this proposal will enhance the research quality of many groups and fulfil a critical role in a number of key University and national strategic research themes. In so doing it will provide added value to areas of recent and future investment.