Fast Track Advanced Synchrotron X-ray Products and Materials Characterisation and Analytics Services at ESRF

European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)

France

Service ID:

EP45S2
Service description

An ongoing service offering access to advanced facilities and techniques at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) targeting all EIC beneficiaries. The Fast Track Synchrotron X-ray Services provide quick and easy access to advanced X-ray techniques for routine materials and products characterisation. These techniques measure sample structures at different scales, from atomic to macro, whilst often being non-destructive. The services can be applied in various sectors, including consumer products, engineering, pharma, advanced materials, food and energy. The services allow for faster and higher resolution 3D materials and product characterisation than conventional laboratory instruments, enabling the detection of defects during the manufacturing process, and leading to significant cost savings. Furthermore, the services can identify hidden defects, detect broken products, rapidly screen samples, highlight changes or non-uniformity in thickness, and identify chemical elements. The service is useful for end-users at all technology readiness levels (TRLs), ranging from those in early-stage research to those in late-stage production. Those in early-stage research can benefit from the service by quickly and accurately characterising their materials, whilst those in late-stage production can use the service to detect defects and improve the quality of their products. The services are available remotely without the need to travel to the ESRF in person. Access to the ESRF for proprietary or confidential access is charged based on cost recovery. The service will remain open for EIC beneficiaries throughout the year and the duration of the service is normally 1-2 hours X-ray time plus data reduction time of 2 or more weeks.

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 – 2500. Beam time is charged for most accesses at €600/hour with scientific support at €175/hour.