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2019 User Meeting Workshops & Tutorials

In addition to the always-popular science workshops presenting the latest scientific findings and technical advances, the ALS User Meeting offers tutorials geared towards introducing new and seasoned users to various techniques, tools, and instrumentation.

Agendas for each workshop or tutorial are being posted as they’re received. Overview of workshop and tutorial locations and times.

Light Sources 101: 2nd Edition |  Tutorial

Monika Blum (ALS, LBNL), Fanny Rodolakis (Argonne National Laboratory), and the ALS Users’ Executive Committee
This special tutorial organized by the Users’ Executive Committee will provide an overview for students, early-career scientists, or those who want to expand their technique toolkit. A limited number of student registration waivers are available for those wanting to attend only this tutorial. Please apply here by the extended deadline of September 25. Use the same link to sign up to live stream the Light Sources 101 tutorial from offsite, if you’re not able to make it to the ALS in person.

Agenda | Sessions run Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon in Room 15-253

Abstract
This tutorial is tailored for students, postdocs, and anyone who wants to learn about a new technique. Several major scientific fields will be discussed, and each topic will include a general introduction to the technique(s) followed by a more detail-oriented presentation highlighting the capabilities of some ALS beamlines: types of samples that can be studied, sample preparation and environment, relevant data type and analysis procedure, etc.

This is the place to ask all the questions you have about a particular technique and how to successfully apply it to your scientific project!

Application of Machine Learning to Achieve Autonomous Experimentation  |  Workshop

Carolin Sutter-Fella (CSD, LBNL) and Marcus Noack (CRD/CAMERA, LBNL)

Agenda | Sessions run Wednesday morning in Room 54-130B

Abstract
The rate of scientific data acquisition is increasing at an unprecedented pace, e.g., due to faster detectors and improved computations. At the same time, in situ and high-throughput experimentation has become increasingly powerful in revealing mechanisms and synthesis-structure and structure-property relationships on multiple time and lengths scales. In this regard, efficient data evaluation requires the application of automated decision-making algorithms in order to keep pace with the data acquisition. This workshop will bring together experimentalists working on material characterization, synthesis, or high-throughput experimentation and computational researchers providing machine learning/decision-making/data-mining tools for the direct application to experiments.

Magnetic Order and Topology in Functional Materials  |  Workshop

Rajesh Chopdekar (ALS, LBNL), Mi-Young Im (MSD, LBNL), and Alpha N’Diaye (ALS, LBNL)

Agenda | Sessions run Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon in Room 33-106

Abstract
Magnetic materials are representative functional systems serving as key ingredients in a variety of current applications, spanning from data storage and computing technologies to electric power generation and conversion. To fully exploit such materials in current and next generation applications, including spintronic-based ultra-low-power computing, as well as expanding the portfolio of earth-abundant, high-energy product magnetic materials, we need to gain a comprehensive understanding of functional order, topology, and dynamics on the nanoscale in magnetic materials. Soft x-ray magnetic dichroism tools in concert with lab-based structural and magnetic characterization offer a multidimensional approach to understand the complex interactions underlying long-range magnetic order, functional properties, and dynamic behavior relevant to topology in these systems. This workshop will explore current and future research in these fields taking place at the Advanced Light Source, and emphasize contributions from early-career scientists such as students and postdocs as well as overview talks from established experts in the field.

Anomalous and Resonant X-Ray Scattering: From Crystalline Materials to Soft Matter  | Workshop

Eric Meshot (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory), Chenhui Zhu (ALS, LBNL), Jun Feng (ALS, LBNL), Cheng Wang (ALS, LBNL), and Alastair MacDowell (ALS, LBNL)

Agenda | Sessions run Wednesday morning through Thursday morning in Rooms 2-100B and 2-400F

Abstract
As a premier light source for soft and tender x-ray science, the ALS has fostered fast growth of a soft matter community that revolves around resonant soft x-ray scattering and more recently resonant tender x-ray scattering (the latter covering important elements such as P, S, Cl, K, Ca and 3d transition metals). The power of these spatiochemical techniques lies in the combination of spectroscopy and scattering in a single probe, which provides nano-structural information with chemical specificity. However, the current state of instrumentation, methodology, and quantitative data analysis must improve to fully capitalize on this element-specific information and usher in a new generation of users in anticipation of ALS-U.

This forum bridges the gaps between different communities, where the unifying theme is understanding principles of energy-dependent x-ray scattering in proximity to an absorption edge and how to derive meaningful interpretations from this rich structural information. This workshop begins on Day 2 of the meeting (Wednesday) with joint discussions of cutting-edge scattering instrumentation across soft, tender, and hard x-ray energy regimes, as well as emergent material science expected to benefit from these powerful tools. Day 3 (Thursday) features two parallel breakout sessions in the morning focused on a) resonant data interpretation and b) tender x-ray science needs, with a succinct joint wrap-up session to culminate the workshop.

10th Annual SIBYLS BioSAXS Workshop  |  Workshop + Tutorial

Michal Hammel (MBIB, LBNL) and Greg Hura (MBIB, LBNL)

Agenda | Sessions run Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon in Room 33-306

Abstract
This two-day workshop will cover frontiers in biological SAXS and will provide participants with software tutorial sessions for biological SAXS in addition to hands-on training in experimental techniques. The latest advances in SAXS studies on biological systems will be discussed with particular focus on advances in synchrotron scattering techniques, dynamic and flexible structures in biomolecules, membrane protein scattering, and complementary methods in crystals and in solution. Updates on current developments of software for SAXS analysis pertaining to structural biology will be illustrated.

The first day of the workshop will begin with a brief run-through on current updates. Greg Hura, Berkeley Lab’s SAXS beamline scientist, will introduce the capabilities of the new detector and the future of high-throughput SAXS at the SIBYLS Beamline 12.3.1.

Distinguished speakers will contribute to the basis of the workshop over the two days by sharing complementary experimental approaches and modeling techniques. This will provide for a flux of ideas among workshop participants and inspire new perspectives for future data analysis. The second day of the workshop will be dedicated to practical hands-on exercises.

In Situ and Operando Environments for Cross-Platform Experiments at the ALS  |  Workshop

Agenda | Harold Barnard (ALS, LBNL), Hans Bechtel (ALS, LBNL), and Martin Kunz (ALS, LBNL)

Sessions run Thursday afternoon in Room 2-100B

Abstract
Multimodal in situ, operando, and in vivo experiments become increasingly important in studies addressing processes in and between heterogeneous natural samples as they are typically studied in geo-, environmental, and biological sciences. This requires the use of sample environments to control external parameters such as pressure, temperature, pH, flow rate, atmospheric composition, etc., which satisfy specific technical constraints of the instrumentation where they are implemented.

This workshop aims to identify sample environments for natural materials and define their general specifications compatible with cross-platform use on complementary experiments in geo-, environmental, and biological sciences.

Increasing the Impact of Your Research through Better Communication Strategies |  Tutorial

Ashley White (ALS, LBNL), Cindy Lee (ALS, LBNL), and the Lightsources.org Collaboration

Agenda | Sessions run Thursday morning in Room 54-130B

Abstract
This half-day tutorial will provide the communications tools and best practices you need to increase the impact of your science. Join expert communications instructors from light sources around the world to learn how to work collaboratively with your home institution and user facilities to gain media attention, present your work to the general public, and leverage social media to increase awareness of your research. The tutorial is also your opportunity to share your goals and needs with user facility communicators.

Challenges and Opportunities for Soft X-Ray Spectroscopy of Interfaces and Bulk Materials for Energy Applications |  Workshop

Wanli Yang (ALS, LBNL), Oleg Kostko (ALS/CSD, LBNL), Yi-Sheng Liu (ALS, LBNL), Jinghua Guo (ALS, LBNL), and Ethan Crumlin (ALS/CSD, LBNL)

Agenda | Sessions run Wednesday morning through Thursday morning in Room 54-130

Abstract
Sustainable energy applications to curb carbon emission have become a pressing demand for today’s society. However, creating high-performance energy devices through innovative materials remains a formidable challenge in many aspects, from energy harvesting, storage, to applications. Solving such a central societal issue requires collaborative efforts of material synthesis, advanced characterizations, and theoretical calculations. Synchrotron-based soft and tender x-ray core-level spectroscopy has made significant contributions to characterizing both the interface and bulk material properties in a number of energy devices, such as batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, and catalytic systems.

This workshop will focus on the grand challenges in energy sciences and discuss the unique opportunities for soft and tender x-ray spectroscopy, including photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering, to tackle fundamental and practical problems. Presentations and discussions will cover different topics of energy sciences across different applications. Various spectroscopic experiments will be presented for revealing the information needed for understanding and developing energy materials.

Computational Challenges Across Light Sources   |  Workshop

Alexander Hexemer (ALS, LBNL), Nicholas Schwarz (Argonne National Laboratory), Amedeo Perazzo (SLAC National Laboratory), Stuart Campbell (Brookhaven National Laboratory), and James Sethian (CRD/CAMERA, LBNL and UC Berkeley)

Agenda | Sessions run Wednesday morning through Wednesday afternoon in Room 15-253

Abstract
The U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) Basic Energy Sciences (BES) light sources are in the position to help solve some of the most challenging and novel scientific questions. These scientific opportunities will be addressed by new measurement techniques, technological advances in detectors, multimodal data utilization, and advances in data analysis algorithms, all of which are being driven to a new level of sophistication by existing and new light sources. These problems are complex, requiring multiple techniques, and novel and complex data analysis for multimodal data is needed. Increases in brightness and advances in detector data rates drive the need for real-time analysis to make crucial experiment decisions. The BES mission will only be realized by coupling the intrinsic capabilities of the facilities with advanced data management and analysis. The DOE light sources are therefore working together on common themes to address the entire data life cycle.

Layered Quantum Materials: Electronic and Magnetic Properties  |  Workshop + Tutorial

Archana Raja (Molecular Foundry, LBNL), Chris Jozwiak (ALS, LBNL), Riccardo Comin (MIT), Aaron Bostwick (ALS, LBNL), and Eli Rotenberg (ALS, LBNL)

Agenda | Sessions run Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon in Room 6-2202

Abstract
Enhanced electron–electron interactions in low-dimensional materials, along with entanglement of charge, spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom, and the nontrivial topology of electronic excitations in solids, all lead to emergent quantum phenomena that can enable new technologies. In this workshop and tutorial, we will explore the wide range of possibilities presented by layered quantum materials through advanced preparation and manipulation techniques, powerful spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, and theoretical approaches. Material systems included will range from atomically thin monolayers, to heterostructures, to 3D Dirac materials, and magnetic topological metals and semimetals.

Joint Workshop on Expanding the Frontiers of Soft X-Ray Scattering and Photon Correlation Spectroscopy at the ALS and NSLS-II: Correlated Electrons, Magnetism, and More  |  Workshop

Andi Barbour (Brookhaven National Laboratory), Stuart Wilkins (Brookhaven National Laboratory), Sujoy Roy (ALS, LBNL), Roland Koch (ALS, LBNL), and Steve Kevan (ALS, LBNL)

Agenda | Sessions run Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon in Room 30-206

Abstract
A challenging aspect of rationally designing functional materials is to understand the impact of a wide range of characteristic spatial and temporal scales on stabilizing novel quantum phases of matter. Commonly used mean-field approaches are inadequate, as they do not provide the requisite fundamental insight into the important processes governing deviations from the averages. Such fluctuations are critically important, particularly for multi-component systems, and in the proximity of critical points in material phase diagrams. X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) is a powerful technique that is uniquely suited to probe heterogeneities and rare events in multiple length and time scales. The Coherent Soft X-Ray (CSX) beamline at NSLS-II and COSMIC beamline at the ALS are dedicated to XPCS and studies involving coherent soft x-ray scattering.

In this first joint workshop between ALS and NSLS-II, there will be XPCS tutorial sessions and talks from experts in the field. We aim to bring users from both synchrotrons together to foster collaborations between researchers and facilitate a roadmap towards further development of correlation methods in x-ray scattering and discuss ways to reach out to new users who might be interested in XPCS to understand material properties.