This page provides a short guide to writing beamtime proposals for the IMBL beamline. It focuses on the technical aspects of applying to use IMBL, but also addresses some key points that will help in forming the science case.
How to justify the need for synchrotron?
If your proposal involves imaging or computed tomography. Make sure you explain the benefit of using the IMBL. This might be speed of collection, due to the beam brightness. Possibly the need for a monochromatic beam for accurate quantitative imaging. The phase contrast advantage of high sensitivity to small density differences.
If it’s a radiobiology or radiotherapy experiment. Emphasise the unique capabilities of IMBL in terms of providing dose rate, beam collimation, and spectrum.
How to calculate the amount of shifts to requested?
Shifts typically start at 8 am and are 8 hours long. The first 4 hours of the first shift at least should be reserved for set-up. The time taken for a CT collection can vary greatly depending on sample size, required spatial resolution etc. So consult the team for advice. You are usually awarded consecutive shifts, which means you should plan to use the midnight to 8 am shift carefully. It is often best to leave long collections for this shift to allow the team to get some rest.
Declare the number of samples you wish to collect data on, and the beam time required for each.
What do you expect to see in the experiment section?
As well as describing the science, the proposal acts as a guide for the facility to decide on how to manage the samples you wish to bring with you. You must declare any hazardous substances, and assess the risk of preparations that might be performed on-site.
The beamline team uses the proposal to anticipate the beamline set-up for your work. You must consult the IMBL team on parameters such as the photon energy or spectrum used. The spatial resolution required and the matching x-ray imager. If you require beamtime which is ‘split’ over more than one session. This must be clearly stated.
There will be questions in the proposal form about use of experiment animals. Our IMBL veterinarian will be happy to advise on monitoring and husbandry before, during, and after the beamtime.