Beamlines | Support Facilities

In addition to the beamline experimental stations, Diamond provides an extensive range of support facilities for users. Preparation laboratories, office space and meeting rooms are all housed in the synchrotron building itself, and a Guesthouse for overnight accommodation is just a short walk away. A restaurant is available providing breakfast, lunch and evening meals, including weekends. Users also have access to the extensive libraries at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

In addition to the experimental hutch and control room, the SAXS group have several research areas to support our users. The sample environment development laboratory (Lab 11), SAXS user laboratory (Lab 12) and Soft Condensed Matter Village support laboratory (Lab 13) are adjacent to the beamline, providing areas for the preparation of samples and sample environments for use on the beamline. We also have a dedicated computer room for data analysis.

Data Analysis Room

The beamline control room has restricted space for off-line data reduction and analysis. We have a dedicated office with Linux and Windows workstations provided for analysing data in Zone 2 next to the stairwell.

Sample Environment Development Laboratory (Lab 11)

This lab has been established to provide offline support for developing code to integrate sample environments into EPICS\GDA. In addition, this lab houses some of our sample environments and experimental equipment. A complete description can be found on the lab's own pages. If you would like to discuss its use further, please contact one of the NCD Science team.

User Sample Preparation Laboratory (Lab 12)

The User Lab provides facilities for a range of chemistry, biology, environmental and materials science applications. We have a well equipped and stocked lab (Lab 12) equipped with a fume hood, a wet oxygen-free glove box and a range of equipment suitable for soft matter studies. This lab is also maintained with a store of routine chemicals and consumables. A complete description can be found on the Lab 12 webpage.

Soft Condensed Matter Village Support Laboratory (Lab 13)

The Soft Condensed Matter Village Support Laboratory (Lab 13) provides Diamond staff with facilities for beamline commissioning and maintenance, some workshop facilities and storage for some sample environment equipment. It is not accessible to users. If you need mechanical or technical assistance with a sample environment prior to your experiment, you must let the NCD team know at least 4 weeks in advance of your experiment.

Access to central chemistry and biology laboratories at Diamond may also be possible by prior arrangement. If you would like to know more, please contact the User Office.