WG1.3 Experiment Environment

WG 1.3 “Experiment Environment” of LEAPS focusses on the part of a beamline experiment which defines the physical parameters at the sample position (e.g. temperature, electric or magnetic fields, pressure, gas flow) and the equipment needed for the preparation and provision of the sample (e.g. sample holder, sample positioning and sample changer). Setups for complementary operando and in-situ experiments are covered as well.

The main goal of the work of WG1.3 is the improvement of the experiment environment capabilities at LEAPS facilities by

• exchange of information and
• coordination of cooperation and collaboration on common developments.

In addition, WG1.3 identifies future working areas and challenges in the field of experiment environment and keeps close contact with international organisations such as the International Society for Sample Environment and with the Sample Environment groups of LENS.

The cooperation within WG1.3 led to several projects and project proposals in the field of sample and experiment environment:

• In the European project LEAPS-INNOV most of the LEAPS facilities represented in WG1.3 are working together in the work package “New positioning and scanning systems for speed and accuracy”. With the tasks “positioning of samples with high spatial accuracy and speed”, “standardisation of temporal synchronisation of experimental equipment” and “sample delivery for microcrystals we are” we facing common challenges in our field of work.
• In the Digital LEAPS project “STARS” we are collaborating on digital an automated sample handling, bringing together experts from WG1.3 with experts from other LEAPS working groups to overcome the challenges of automated sample delivery, especially with remote access operation.
• In the submitted OptiBeams proposal, we intend to improve quality assurance for sample environment for electrochemical operando and in-situ experiments in close co-operation with LEAPS WG4.

The developments in the work package “New positioning and scanning systems for speed and accuracy” of the running project LEAPS-INNOV are presently the focus of our collaborative work. Furthermore, we are supporting the Digital LEAPS STARS project and develop new project ideas for upcoming calls.

Within the international sample environment community, we are well represented. The MAX IV Laboratory together with the European Spallation Source will host the 12^th ISSE International Workshop on Sample Environment in September 2024, which will bring together sample environment experts from the photon and neutron sources from all over the world.

Roughly quarterly, monthly LEAPSS-INNOV project meetings where most WG1.3 LEAPS facilities are involved.