FAQ

What is the difference between sample table and sample spreadsheet?

The sample spreadsheet and sample table are two different things:

• The sample spreadsheet is an excel sheet you download from the portal in fill in with the hazard/safety-related information regarding all chemicals you will use whilst on site. See ‘How to Complete the EA Sample Spreadsheet’ for more information.

• The sample table is part of the Proposed Experiment section of the proposal that communicates information relevant to x-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements of your samples. See our guide on the sample table for more information.

Can I measure in fluorescence and transmission modes in the same beamtime?

Yes! Our beamline is configured for quick and easy switching between the two modes.

Can I measure a sample fluorescence and transmission at the same time?

Yes! Though it is often tricky to make a sample with both a reasonable edge step AND a concentration of the element of interest low enough to avoid self-absorption.

Often we find better scientific outcomes are achieved when users pick a single detection method for a sample and optimise to that method.

Can I use the cryostat and RT environment in the same beamtime?

Yes, but some beamtime will be consumed changing to/from the cryostat.

Can I measure in situ and ex situ in the same beamtime?

Yes! Please discuss with your beamline scientist and they can happily make this work for your experiment.

Can I switch between Mode X and Mode Y in a single beamtime?

Unfortunately no. Resetting the beamline to work in either mode takes about a day. For this reason we do not offer switching between the two modes during a single beamtime. If you are interested in both modes we encourage you to submit two separate proposals for either Mode X or Mode Y.

Can I submit one proposal to cover multiple beamlines?

Unfortunately no. We cannot accommodate cross-beamline proposals. Therefore, you should submit individual proposals to the relevant beamlines you wish to use.

How do I include a sample table in my proposal?

There are two ways a table can be included in a proposal:

• As a table in the text of the “Proposed Experiment” section.

  • If you copy and paste a table from another program (word, google docs etc) please ensure you double check the formatting on the table to ensure it has copied across properly.

• Attached to the proposal as a figure. This will not consume your word count.

Can I Measure Electron Yield?

Unfortunately no, the XAS beamline at the Australian Synchrotron only offers data collection in either transmission or fluorescence (partial fluorescence yield) modes.