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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.

Light Sources 101  |  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.

Agenda | 2-day session on Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28

Abstract

Some 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!

Applications of STXM/NEXAFS to Probe Mineral-Organic Matter Assemblages  |  Workshop + Tutorial 

Tamas Varga (PNNL), Peter Nico (LBNL), and Swarup China (PNNL)

Agenda | 1-day session on Thursday, August 27

Abstract
The morning workshop will focus on presentations of current research on mineral/organic matter interactions in both soil and atmospheric particles utilizing, at least in part, synchrotron methods, in particular STXM combined with NEXAFS/XANES. The afternoon tutorial will include a tour of STXM beamlines, the XFM beamline, as well as a tutorial to cover the basics of STXM/NEXAFS data processing and information extraction.

Run Your Own DFT Calculations to Have a Better Understanding of the XAS and RIXS Experiments  |  Workshop + Tutorial

Yang Ha (LBNL), Yisheng Liu (LBNL), Feipeng Yang (LBNL), and Wanli Yang (ALS, LBNL)

Agenda | 1-day session

Abstract
With the increasing computing power nowadays, DFT calculations are becoming popular. Coupling DFT calculations with the XAS and RIXS results will not only help you with peak/feature assignments, but will bring in more insights in the system you want to study. For those who are interested in running your own DFT calculations, but with little or no experience, we will teach you how to start from scratch to run your own DFT calculations, and correlate the DFT results with your XAS and RIXS experiments. We will also use a few simple, but insightful examples, to show what we can pull out from those calculations beyond simply reproducing your experimental results.

Macromolecular Structural Biology at the ALS  |  Workshop + Tutorial

Greg Hura (LBNL)

Agenda | 1.5-day session

Abstract
This workshop for current and future SIBYLS and ALS-ENABLE users will provide participants with software tutorial sessions for biological SAXS and crystallography. The latest advances in SAXS studies on biological systems will be discussed, with particular focus on advances in our mail-in SAXS program and integrating bioSAXS analysis. SIBYLS Lab’s SAXS Beamline Scientists will introduce the future of high-throughput and size-exclusion-coupled SAXS (HT-SAXS and SEC-SAXS). We will present talks about integrating high-resolution models in the SAXS modeling. Introductory crystallography will also be discussed. We will provide an opportunity for participants to present and discuss their projects with the SIBYLS and ALS-ENABLE staff. Interested users will present their case studies for workshop analysis. This will provide for a flux of ideas among workshop participants, and inspire new perspectives for future data analysis.

Using Synchrotron Light to Probe Plant, Soil, and Geologic Systems  |  Workshop + Tutorial

Devin A. Rippner (UC Davis), Tamas Varga (PNNL), and Mengqiang Zhu (University of Wyoming)

Agenda | 1-day session on Friday, August 28

Abstract
Synchrotron light is used to probe chemical heterogeneity of geologic materials at the nanometer scale, investigate and resolve elemental composition and speciation in soils and plants, and study soil aggregate structure and plant hydraulics. This workshop aims to highlight some of the diverse uses of synchrotron light for investigating environmental systems, with the goal of cross-beamline collaboration for a more holistic understanding of environmental processes. As part of this workshop, presentations from Dr. Hans Bechtel and users of Beamlines 1.4/2.4 will discuss applying micro and nano-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µ/nFTIR) to study mineral-organic matter associations at the nm to µm scale. Presentations from Dr. Sirine Fakra and users of Beamline 10.3.2 will focus on using micro-x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (µXFS) and microscopy (µXFM) techniques to study metal (Fe, Cu) and metal(loid) (P, As, Se, Cr) distribution and speciation in a variety of environmental systems. Presentations from Dr. Dula Parkinson and users of Beamline 8.3.2 will discuss applying micro-x-ray computed tomography (µXCT) to porous media and plant systems. At the end of the day, a panel of beamline scientists and users from a variety of beamlines will discuss how to enable data collection on multiple beamlines to better improve our understanding of complex environmental processes.

Infrared Near-Field Spectroscopy  |  Workshop + Tutorial

Stephanie Gilbert Corder (ALS, LBNL), Hans Bechtel (ALS, LBNL), Joanna Atkin (University of North Carolina), Mengkun Liu (Stonybrook University), and Markus Raschke (University of Colorado)

Agenda | 1-day session

Abstract

The tutorial will cover the general principles of infrared near-field spectroscopy with an emphasis on synchrotron infrared nano-spectroscopy. This will include sample preparation, data collection methods, analysis procedures, and practical considerations for users wanting to make the most of their beamtime. The tutorial will also highlight the variety of materials characterization possible with the technique.

The workshop sessions following the tutorial will cover the theoretical and experimental challenges associated with the near-field techniques. From the applicability of different models of the probe-sample interaction, to expanding measurement capabilities, the workshop will explore recent and ongoing developments in the field of nanoscale IR materials characterization.

Integrative Hybrid Methods for Comprehensive Imaging of Biomolecules  |  Workshop

Corie Ralston (LBNL), Paul Adams (LBNL), Michael Martin (ALS, LBNL), and Chenhui Zhu (ALS, LBNL)

Agenda | 0.5-day session on the morning of Friday, August 28

Abstract
The last few years have seen significant advances in methods for characterizing biological systems, especially in the area of CryoEM. However, each characterization method, such as crystallography or IR, provides only a piece of the full picture. To take the next step toward comprehensive bioimaging, we need to integrate disparate imaging methods synergistically in order to provide a complete functional and structural picture of biological systems from the atomic to the macroscale level. In this workshop, we will discuss new hybrid methods approaches that are beginning to enable this type of understanding. Examples include the integration of scattering and tomography data, or combining various spectroscopies with solvent accessibility data. The workshop will provide a venue to foster collaboration and serve as a starting point for discussions on new integrated modalities.

Computational Aspects of Hyperspectral Imaging  |  Workshop + Tutorial

Petrus H. Zwart, Liang Chen, and Alexander Hexemer (ALS, LBNL)

Agenda | 1-day session

Abstract

Hyperspectral imaging provides unique multidimensional information that can provide unique insights into samples relevant to the earth, energy, materials and biological sciences. In this workshop we will discuss computational aspects of these data types in relation to autonomous experiments, data analyses, and visualization.

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