EMUSAXS: Repair and upgrade of the IFUSP multiuser center for X-ray Scattering and Diffraction

• Grant number: 23/17423-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Cristiano Luis Pinto de Oliveira
• Grantee: Cristiano Luis Pinto de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Antonio Martins Figueiredo Neto ; Marco Aurélio Brizzotti Andrade

Abstract

The EMUSAXS multiuser center was created to provide high-quality scattering and diffraction data for laboratory based systems. The equipment of the central (Xeuss 1.0 and Xeuss 2.0) have microfocus sources, focusing mirrors, scatteless slits for collimation and Pilatus detectors for data acquisition. The central has 70 registered users from the hole country and abroad. More than 100 projects are performed every year, either for studies from GFCx group, collaboration works or purchasing of machine time. The EMUSAXS is being fundamental for the research of several research groups, providing high quality data for articles, dissertations, thesis, etc that would not be obtained without the support from our Central. The EMUSAXS center was created in the period where the old Brazilian synchrotron, UVX, was shut down (end of 2018) in order to allow the finishing of the new Brazilian synchrotron, Sirius. During 2019 and 2022 the EMUSAXS center was fundamental for the research and support for projects that need scattering and diffraction data. In 2023 the Sirius already has beamlines available but laboratory systems like the EMUSAXS center will be even more needed since 4th generation synchrotrons like Sirius need a previous sample characterization in order to allow the optimization of the measurements in the synchrotron. The normal use of Experimental equipment leads to damaging of the parts which has to be repaired (fixed and/or replaced) to allow the use of the system. As mentioned in previous reports, several maintenance procedures were made on the central equipment during the years of use. As described on the Project, we propose maintenance and upgrade actions for our central :* Maintenance1- Exchange of the beamstopper (BS) with pindiode sensor for both equipment, Xeuss 1 and Xeuss 2 : the BS pindiodes in both machines are damaged and needs to be replaced for the optimization of the data acquisition. 2- Exchange of the step motor and vertical translation system for the BS of Xeuss 2 : the vertical translation of the BS is not working well, failing, with not reproducibility on the alignment and positioning. Thefore needs to be replaced. 3- Intallation of a energy backup system composed of a Generator+Nobreak : we need this backup on the energy system in order to avoid abrupt losses or energy oscillations. This is urgent to avoid the damage of the several electronic devices of the EMUSAXS central.* Upgrade4- Xeuss 1 source upgrade to Genix3D : this upgrade will lead to an optimized source and focusing system, with a more advanced and efficient technology, identical to the Xeuss 2. 5- Sample stages for tensile analysis and ambient cell, with controlo f temperature and humidity. 6- Sample stage for simultaneous measurements of rheology and Scattering / RheoSAXSThe increase of the sample holders portfolio of the central is very important. With these devices it will be possible to perform experiments still not possible in the central, benefiting the GFCx projects as well as all the EMUSAXS users. (AU)