Customised solutions: Tailor-made support and experimentation using synchrotron x-rays for R&D and industrial innovation.

European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)

France

Service ID:

EP45S3
Service description

An ongoing service offering longer-term access and support to synchrotron X-ray services and the expertise of scientists and engineers at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) targeting all EIC beneficiaries. The service aims to build tailored support and exploitation of synchrotron X-ray techniques for EIC beneficiaries who need longer-term support for their R&D needs. The ESRF has experimental hutches that allow for tailor-made experiments in controlled environments, mimicking real-life conditions. These experiments can be performed in situ, while the reaction is taking place, providing real-time data on the reaction mechanism and kinetics. Custom-designed sample environments can also be used, such as high-temperature furnaces or electrochemical cells, allowing for more precise control over experimental conditions. These experimental hutches offer EIC beneficiaries the opportunity to perform precise experiments, leading to accurate and detailed characterisation of materials and samples. The service targets a range of sectors including health, energy, environment, engineering, and manufacturing. For example, X-ray techniques can aid drug discovery, drug development, and drug delivery systems in the health sector. In the energy sector, complementary X-ray scattering and imaging techniques can enable the imaging of batteries under real working conditions and in multiple dimensions, revealing the internal functioning and failure mechanisms at ultra-high spatial and temporal resolution. In the environment sector, synchrotron X-ray techniques can allow for the identification of trace elements, a better understanding of hydrogen generation systems, and the tracking of pollutants that end up in the environment. In the engineering and manufacturing sector, X-ray techniques can help assess the capabilities and limitations of materials under different conditions, conduct stress tests on materials, and characterise fuel cells and engineering manufacturing processes in real-time and real working conditions. The duration of the service varies, with a few hours per cycle or several days of access based on the complexity of the service requirement.

Sector
Health and Biotech
Advanced materials
Energy
Technology Readiness Level
TRL 1 – Basic principles observed
TRL 2 – Technology concept formulated
TRL 3 – Experimental proof of concept
TRL 4 – Technology validated in lab
TRL 5 – Technology validated in relevant environment
TRL 6 – Technology demonstrated in relevant environment
TRL 7 – System prototype demonstration in operational environment
TRL 8 – System complete and qualified
TRL 9 – Actual system proven in operational environment
Disclaimer related to service

EIC beneficiaries can enrol onto the service on a rolling basis, but the facilities will close for routine maintenance breaks (usually 4 times per year) according to operational schedules. Services are provided via remote access (mail-in of samples) and costs start from around 1000 Eur for simple measurements.

Financial requirements

€1000 – €5000 per access. Beam time is charged for most accesses at €600/hour with scientific support at €175/hour.Additional costs can apply for use of specialised controlled environments.