SERCCS 2024 Projects

Development of flyscanning for SPEC macro motors

Mentor: Keith Surrena

Abstract: The X-ray data collection software SPEC allows for grouping multiple real motors into a single motor designation known as a macro motor. This macro motors allows for simple motion of multiple motors along a single axis of a user's interest to calculated positions of the real sub motors. While this is a useful utility for general motion and basic step scanning, it lacks the utility for coordinated synchronous motion for continuous scanning (flyscan). Utilizing commands for our GALIL motion controllers, SPEC configured motors can be tricked into performing coordinated motion for flyscans without realizing it.

The student will write a SPEC macro that can allow a user to perform a flyscan on a macro motor within the units of reference for that macro motor. The macro will need to work reliably, report positions correctly for data collection, and be interruptible with proper software clean ups. Development will occur with real motors on a bench environment as well as final demonstration with a CHESS optical table.

A GUI for automated mechanical testing with in-situ x-ray data collection

Mentor: Kate Shanks

Abstract: The Forming and Shaping Technology (FAST) beamline at CHESS focuses on in-situ high-energy diffraction and imaging measurements of structural materials under various thermomechanical loading and processing conditions. In particular, many experiments involve custom sequences of mechanical loading steps (e.g. pulling in tension or squishing in compression) interwoven with x-ray data collection. Data collection scripts have been developed in-house that allow experimenters to prescribe an entire in-situ mechanical test, from zero load to specimen failure or permanent deformation, and execute data collection with a single command. However, there is currently a high barrier to entry for new users to learn how to generate the required input files, and the process is error-prone due to a lack of easy-to-use visualization tools that would allow experimenters to double-check their code prior to execution. In this project, the student will develop a user-friendly GUI for designing custom in-situ mechanical test sequences. Once the test sequence is finalized, the GUI will output the parameter files required to execute data collection in SPEC, the standard beamline control software at FAST.

Improved feedback mechanisms for monochromator stabilization

Mentor: Sven Gustafson

Abstract: Many high-energy x-ray diffraction and imaging techniques increasingly rely on the availability of stable incident beam intensity on the specimen to extract accurate, quantitative information about specimen state and dynamics. X-ray beamlines operating in a monochromatic (i.e., single-energy) mode must often implement some form of monochromator stabilization to ensure consistent beam intensity and energy even in the presence of vibrations and other physical instabilities that impact monochromator operation. High-energy beamlines are often particularly sensitive to these instabilities, owing to the narrow rocking curve and shallow incidence angle of typical high-energy crystal monochromators. In this project, the student will work with CHESS staff to develop improved feedback mechanisms for monochromator stabilization at the Forming and Shaping Technology (FAST) beamline, building on and updating current hardware and software feedback mechanisms for real-time intensity control.