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At least 667 records · Page 37

Quantifying Acetaldehyde in Astronomical Ices and Laboratory Analogues: IR Spectra, Intensities, 13C Shifts, and Radiation Chemistry

Acetaldehyde is of interest to astrochemists for its relevance to both interstellar and cometary chemistry, but little infrared (IR) spectral data have been published for the solid phases of this compound. Here we present IR spectra of three forms of solid acetaldehyde, with spectra for one form being published for the first time. Direct measurements of band strengths and absorption coefficients also are reported for the first time for amorphous aldehyde, the form of greatest interest for astrochemical work. An acetaldehyde band strength at 1350 cm1 that has been used as a reference for about 20 yr is seen to be in error by about 80 per cent when compared to the direct measurements presented here. Spectra and peak positions also are presented for H13C(O)13CH3, and then used for the first identification of ketene as a radiation product of solid acetaldehyde.

Hudson, Reggie L.↗

Mid-IR interferometric nulling for TPF

By the middle of 2006, the Interferometry Technology development program for NASA’s Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) Mission has the goal of demonstrating deep and stable interferometric nulling of broadband Mid-IR thermal radiation under conditions that are traceable to the expected on-orbit conditions. Specifically, the task is to demonstrate null levels of 10 to the negative 6 power, with a 50% BW centered at 10 um, with null stabilities of 10 to the negative 7 power all at cryogenic temperatures for observational periods of a couple of hours. The Achromatic Nulling activity at JPL addresses this concern in two testbeds: the warm nulling testbed and the cryonulling testbed. The warm nulling testbed will demonstrate the physics of nulling broadband thermal sources in an environment that is conducive to efficient research. We’ll explore nulling techniques, optical-mechanical alignment methods, motion control, and path-length metrology for a single beam interferometer, as well as preliminary planet detection techniques. Ultimate nulling capabilities under conditions that are more flight-like will be demonstrated in cryogenic nulling testbed. Knowledge gained from operation at room temperature will be applied to the cryongenic experiment where we face the additional challenges of extreme temperatures, cryongenic actuators, component survivability and fluxes that are within an order of magnitude of expected flux levels on orbit. Concurrently, we will develop a low flux mid-IR camera that will allow us to measure the nulls at these faint photon fluxes. This talk will review this development activity and will include recent nulling experimental results and plans for future work.

Vasisht, Gautam↗

BIRCHES and Lunarcubes: Building the First Deep Space Cubesat Broadband IR Spectrometer

The Broadband InfraRed Compact High-resolution Exploration Spectrometer (BIRCHES), which will be described in detail here, is the compact broadband IR spectrometer of the Lunar Ice Cube mission. Lunar Ice Cube is one of 13 6U cubesats that will be deployed by EM1 in cislunar space, qualifying as lunarcubes. The LunarCube paradigm is a proposed approach for extending the affordable CubeSat standard to support access to deep space via cis-lunar/lunar missions. Because the lunar environment contains analogs of most solar system environments, the Moon is an ideal target for both testing critical deep space capabilities and understanding solar system formation and processes. Effectively, as developments are occurring in parallel, 13 prototype deep space cubesats are being flown for EM1. One useful outcome of this ‘experiment’ will be to determine to what extent it is possible to develop a lunarcube ‘bus’ with standardized interfaces to all subsystems using reasonable protocols for a variety of payloads. The lunar ice cube mission was developed as the test case in a GSFC R&D study to determine whether the cubesat paradigm could be applied to deep space, science requirements driven missions, and BIRCHES was its payload. Here, we present the design and describe the ongoing development, and testing, in the context of the challenges of using the cubesat paradigm to fly a broadband IR spectrometer in a 6U platform, including minimal funding and extensive need for leveraging existing assets and relationships on development, the foreshortened schedule for payload delivery on testing, and minimum bandwidth translating into simplified or canned operation.

Chapin, Peter↗

20-Years of Atmospheric Temperature, Water Vapor, Cloud, and Surface Temperature Anomalies and Trends Derived From Operational Hyperspectral Ir Sounders

Hyperspectral IR sounders such as AIRS on Aqua, CrIS on S-NPP, NOAA20 and JPSS-2, IASI on Metop A, B, and C provide high-quality atmospheric temperature, water, vapor, and greenhouse gas vertical profiles. Additionally, they provide atmospheric cloud properties, surface emissivity, and surface skin temperatures. We have developed two algorithms which can consistently derive these products from multiple IR sounders. The first one is a Single Field-of-view Sounder Atmospheric Product (SIFSAP) algorithm and the second one is a Climate Fingerprinting Sounder Product (ClimFiSP) algorithm. Compared to current operational AIRS and CrIS Level-2 (L2) algorithms, which perform one retrieval for each 3 by 3 field of views (FOVs) using a cloud-clearing approach, the SiFSAP algorithm, on the other hand, performs one retrieval for each FOV using an all-sky optimal estimation approach. The SiFSAP algorithm retrieves all the above-mentioned atmosphere and surface properties simultaneously including cloud properties with 3-time higher spatial resolution and 9-times more products. The core of the SiFSAP algorithm is an accurate and fast Principal Component-based Radiative Transfer Model (PCRTM), which can calculate hyperspectral radiance spectra under both clear and cloudy conditions. The PCRTM was developed in the past decade using consistent reference line-by-line radiative transfer model and spectroscopy for hyperspectral sounders such as AIRS, CrIS, IASI, NAST-I, and S-HIS. The SiFSAP retrieval algorithm also uses the same climatology a priori and associated covariances, which makes it ideal for generating high quality products for both weather and climate applications. Climate products are typically derived by performing spatial and temporal averaging of L2 products. It is a time-consuming process to generate L2 data products since AIRS, CrIS, and IASI have millions of observations each day with thousands of spectral channels for each observation. Additionally, differences in L2 retrieval algorithms for different satellite sensors can lead to errors in the climate products. Our ClimFiSP algorithm, which performs retrievals from spatiotemporally averaged L1 hyperspectral radiances directly, will be orders of magnitude faster than traditional method. he ClimFiSP algorithm uses consistent radiative kernels and a robust spectral fingerprinting method. It provides accurate data climate data fusion products from multiple satellite sensors. We have applied this method to both AIRS and CrIS (on SNPP and on NOAA 20) data and generated two decades climate data records for atmospheric temperature, water vapor, cloud, trace gases, and surface skin temperature. Both SiFSAP and ClimFiSP will be available at NASA GES DISC data center for public access.

Xu Liu↗

Complementarities of GEO and LEO IR Sounders for Numerical Weather Prediction in an OSSE Framework

Preparations are underway for the United States’ weather satellite program and the expected advancements in the coming decade. Among these changes is the launch of the proposed NOAA/NASA Geostationary eXtended Observations (GeoXO) Sounder (GXS), coordinated with international counterparts, to form a global ring of hyperspectral infrared (IR) sounders. Coincident with the progress of IR sounders from GEO platforms, the future of low Earth orbit (LEO) sounders is being re-envisioned after decades of beneficial impact in numerical weather prediction (NWP) systems. To address questions about the utility of the two platform types in concert, the Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) framework was used to examine the roles of GEO and LEO sounders and their impact on forecast error reduction. Overall, inclusion of both types of platforms in the satellite program produces the largest forecast error reduction with LEO sounders having a strong impact on global skill and GEO sounders providing the most benefit on the scale of targeted regions.

Erica McGrath-Spangler↗

Infrared (IR) photon-sensitive spectromicroscopy in a cryogenic environment

A system designed to suppress thermal radiation background and to allow IR single-photon sensitive spectromicroscopy of small samples by using both absorption, reflection, and emission/luminescence measurements. The system in one embodiment includes: a light source; a plurality of cold mirrors configured to direct light along a beam path; a cold or warm sample holder in the beam path; windows of sample holder (or whole sample holder) are transparent in a spectral region of interest, so they do not emit thermal radiation in the same spectral region of interest; a cold monochromator or other cold spectral device configured to direct a selected fraction of light onto a cold detector; a system of cold apertures and shields positioned along the beam path to prevent unwanted thermal radiation from arriving at the cold monochromator and/or the detector; a plurality of optical, IR and microwave filters positioned along the beam path and configured to adjust a spectral composition of light incident upon the sample under investigation and/or on the detector; a refrigerator configured to maintain the detector at a temperature below 1.0K; and an enclosure configured to: thermally insulate the light source, the plurality of mirrors, the sample holder, the cold monochromator and the refrigerator.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

A Study of IR Loss Correction Methodologies for Commercially Available Pyranometers

This presentation provides a high-level overview of a study of IR Loss Connection Methodologies for Commercially Available Pyranometers. The IR Loss Corrections Study is investigating how various correction methodologies work for several makes and models of commercially available pyranometers in common use, both when operated in ventilators with DC fans and without ventilators, as when they are typically calibrated.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Development of the Intelligent, Preventive Infrared (IR) Inspection System Housed in Hybrid Robotic Platforms

Robots and robotic systems that are designed for inspection, environmental study, and health and safety aid are becoming an increasing necessity. However, there is a number of challenges that accompany robots that are designed for these specific applications. These challenges include: navigating compact, enclosed spaces, travelling over multiple terrains and large obstacles, using the proper sensing and detection methods to assess an environment, and the use of lightweight and durable materials. The robotic platforms currently in development look at all of these challenges and attempt to overcome them. These designs specific use of hybrid robotic platforms, or platform that utilizes soft and rigid materials, allows for a more flexible platform and makes environments more navigable. To further improve the navigation of the platforms and environmental assessment, a novel infrared detection system is housed in the platforms to create a robot that can be used for the applications listed above and more. Objectives: Further develop two types of robotic platforms that utilize additive manufacturing, soft materials, and rigid materials. Continue the development of an intelligent and inhibitory infrared detection system based on an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. Continued study and fabrication of active soft materials designed for both sensing and actuation in hybrid robotic systems. Improve additive manufacturing fabrication to design rigid and semi-rigid components for hybrid robotic platforms. Transformable Wheel Robotic Platform: The chassis, wheels, tires and inspection system housing use different additive manufacturing techniques for fabrication. Continued work with additive manufacturing has lead to studies in metal-based printing and modular design and manufacturing. The new platform design with integrated electrical component printed. This will allow integration of the sensor housing onto the platform. Electrical components are being tested for battery life and performance. To improve this performance, such as integration of Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries. Snake Robotic Platform: The main focus of the development has centered around liquid-based soft actuators. That act on the principles of electrostatic and hydraulic actuation. A liquid dielectric sits between two compliant electrodes, contained by a flexible polymer shell. The electrodes and film gradually collapse toward each other from one corner of the electrode to the other. When the electrodes and film close together, a majority of the fluid is pushed into the area not covered by an electrode. A thin layer of the liquid dielectric remains between the electrode. The actuators will be stacked to cause large displacement, and move the linkages. The chassis of this platform uses purely additively manufactured linkages. Intelligent, Preventive IR Inspection System: Development of the AI for the system has lead to using a Scikit-Learn which assists in creating predictive models based on Regression, clustering, classification etc. To improve the infrared thermometry for low emissivity sources, work on the fabrication of a tandem photoconductive infrared thermometer was a main focus. Distance-Voltage-Temperature response data has been collected in the range of 7 cm - 100 cm and 200-400 deg. C. Modifications were made to the existing test bench to have a better control over the data. Automated data collection was realized using a Python code and an Arduino controlled stepper motor to increase the sample rate. A protective enclosure has been built around the setup to minimize the effect of the environment on the measurements. To better predict temperature, different AI models are being optimized. The regression model, LARS showed a high accuracy but had convergence issues and only works for the current test set-up. Results: The Transformable Wheel Robot has developed into a more flexible and modular platform. With the improvements to the current work, effort on the tire or soft gripper design been a large focus. The soft grippers will be interchange able to allow for increased performance in identified terrain types. The development of the liquid-based actuators allows the snake robotic platform to achieve the goals of being flexible and able to navigate confined spaces. However, there is room for improvement. Optimization work is currently being done in COMSOL Multiphysics. With the current IR system set-up the LARS model perfectly predicts the data; however, considering the mobility aspect of the project other models will allow for an optimized system. Testing of other model types is currently being done.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Materials Data on Ir(SeBr3)3 by Materials Project

IrSe3Br8Br crystallizes in the monoclinic P2_1/c space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of four hydrobromic acid molecules and four IrSe3Br8 clusters. In each IrSe3Br8 cluster, Ir3+ is bonded in a T-shaped geometry to three Se2- atoms. There are a spread of Ir–Se bond distances ranging from 2.37–2.49 Å. There are three inequivalent Se2- sites. In the first Se2- site, Se2- is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to one Ir3+ and four Br+0.33+ atoms. There are a spread of Se–Br bond distances ranging from 2.39–3.03 Å. In the second Se2- site, Se2- is bonded in a trigonal non-coplanar geometry to one Ir3+ and two Br+0.33+ atoms. There are one shorter (2.36 Å) and one longer (2.42 Å) Se–Br bond lengths. In the third Se2- site, Se2- is bonded in a trigonal non-coplanar geometry to one Ir3+ and two Br+0.33+ atoms. There are one shorter (2.36 Å) and one longer (2.38 Å) Se–Br bond lengths. There are eight inequivalent Br+0.33+ sites. In the first Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the second Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the third Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the fourth Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the fifth Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the sixth Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the seventh Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the eighth Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Ir(N3O4)3 by Materials Project

IrN7O11N2O crystallizes in the triclinic P1 space group. The structure is one-dimensional and consists of one N2O cluster and one IrN7O11 ribbon oriented in the (0, 1, 0) direction. In the N2O cluster, there are two inequivalent N+2.33+ sites. In the first N+2.33+ site, N+2.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The N–O bond length is 0.90 Å. In the second N+2.33+ site, N+2.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one O2- atom. The N–O bond length is 2.00 Å. O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to two N+2.33+ atoms. In the IrN7O11 ribbon, Ir3+ is bonded in a 5-coordinate geometry to five O2- atoms. There are a spread of Ir–O bond distances ranging from 2.08–2.71 Å. There are seven inequivalent N+2.33+ sites. In the first N+2.33+ site, N+2.33+ is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.38 Å) and one longer (1.82 Å) N–O bond length. In the second N+2.33+ site, N+2.33+ is bonded in a water-like geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.47 Å) and one longer (1.77 Å) N–O bond length. In the third N+2.33+ site, N+2.33+ is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.19 Å) and one longer (1.41 Å) N–O bond length. In the fourth N+2.33+ site, N+2.33+ is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.32 Å) and one longer (2.06 Å) N–O bond length. In the fifth N+2.33+ site, N+2.33+ is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to three O2- atoms. There are a spread of N–O bond distances ranging from 0.90–1.98 Å. In the sixth N+2.33+ site, N+2.33+ is bonded in a distorted L-shaped geometry to two O2- atoms. There is one shorter (1.72 Å) and one longer (2.08 Å) N–O bond length. In the seventh N+2.33+ site, N+2.33+ is bonded in a distorted bent 150 degrees geometry to two O2- atoms. There are one shorter (2.03 Å) and one longer (2.18 Å) N–O bond lengths. There are eleven inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one N+2.33+ atom. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N+2.33+ atom. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 2-coordinate geometry to one Ir3+ and one N+2.33+ atom. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to two N+2.33+ atoms. In the fifth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to two N+2.33+ atoms. In the sixth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Ir3+, one N+2.33+, and one O2- atom. The O–O bond length is 1.71 Å. In the seventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted rectangular see-saw-like geometry to one Ir3+, two N+2.33+, and one O2- atom. In the eighth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a distorted bent 120 degrees geometry to one Ir3+ and one N+2.33+ atom. In the ninth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one N+2.33+ atom. In the tenth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a bent 120 degrees geometry to two N+2.33+ atoms. In the eleventh O2- site, O2- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Ir3+ and one N+2.33+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Ir(N2Cl3)2 by Materials Project

IrCl6(N2)2 is Fluorite structured and crystallizes in the tetragonal I4mm space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of four nitrogen molecules and two IrCl6 clusters. In each IrCl6 cluster, Ir4+ is bonded in an octahedral geometry to six Cl1- atoms. There are one shorter (2.27 Å) and five longer (2.31 Å) Ir–Cl bond lengths. There are three inequivalent Cl1- sites. In the first Cl1- site, Cl1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Ir4+ atom. In the second Cl1- site, Cl1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Ir4+ atom. In the third Cl1- site, Cl1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Ir4+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Ir(SeBr3)3 by Materials Project

IrSe3Br7(Br)2 crystallizes in the triclinic P-1 space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of four hydrobromic acid molecules and two IrSe3Br7 clusters. In each IrSe3Br7 cluster, Ir3+ is bonded in a distorted T-shaped geometry to three Se2- atoms. There are a spread of Ir–Se bond distances ranging from 2.40–2.44 Å. There are three inequivalent Se2- sites. In the first Se2- site, Se2- is bonded in a trigonal non-coplanar geometry to one Ir3+ and two Br+0.33+ atoms. There are one shorter (2.38 Å) and one longer (2.40 Å) Se–Br bond lengths. In the second Se2- site, Se2- is bonded in a trigonal non-coplanar geometry to one Ir3+ and two Br+0.33+ atoms. There are one shorter (2.38 Å) and one longer (2.42 Å) Se–Br bond lengths. In the third Se2- site, Se2- is bonded in a distorted trigonal non-coplanar geometry to one Ir3+ and three Br+0.33+ atoms. There are a spread of Se–Br bond distances ranging from 2.39–3.00 Å. There are seven inequivalent Br+0.33+ sites. In the first Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a distorted single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the second Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the third Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the fourth Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the fifth Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the sixth Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom. In the seventh Br+0.33+ site, Br+0.33+ is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Se2- atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Ir(Br3O)2 by Materials Project

IrBr6O2 is Fluorite structured and crystallizes in the cubic Fm-3m space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of eight water molecules and four IrBr6 clusters. In each IrBr6 cluster, Ir4+ is bonded in an octahedral geometry to six equivalent Br atoms. All Ir–Br bond lengths are 2.43 Å. Br is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Ir4+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Ir(Br3N)2 by Materials Project

IrBr6N2 is Fluorite structured and crystallizes in the cubic Fm-3m space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of eight ammonia molecules and four IrBr6 clusters. In each IrBr6 cluster, Ir4+ is bonded in an octahedral geometry to six equivalent Br1- atoms. All Ir–Br bond lengths are 2.46 Å. Br1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Ir4+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on Ir(NCl3)2 by Materials Project

IrCl6N2 is Fluorite structured and crystallizes in the cubic Fm-3m space group. The structure is zero-dimensional and consists of eight ammonia molecules and four IrCl6 clusters. In each IrCl6 cluster, Ir4+ is bonded in an octahedral geometry to six equivalent Cl1- atoms. All Ir–Cl bond lengths are 2.30 Å. Cl1- is bonded in a single-bond geometry to one Ir4+ atom.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-Performance Near-IR Photodetector Using Low-Bandgap MA 0.5 FA 0.5 Pb 0.5 Sn 0.5 I 3 Perovskite

Photodetectors with ultrafast response are explored using inorganic/organic hybrid perovskites. High responsivity and fast optoelectronic response are achieved due to the exceptional semiconducting properties of perovskite materials. However, most of the perovskite-based photodetectors exploited to date are centered on Pb-based perovskites, which only afford spectral response across the visible spectrum. This study demonstrates a high-performance near-IR (NIR) photodetector using a stable low-bandgap Sn-containing perovskite, (CH 3 NH 3 ) 0.5 (NH 2 CHNH 2 ) 0.5 Pb 0.5 Sn 0.5 I 3 (MA 0.5 FA 0.5 Pb 0.5 Sn 0.5 I 3 ), which is processed with an antioxidant additive, ascorbic acid (AA). The addition of AA effectively strengthens the stability of Sn-containing perovskite against oxygen, thereby significantly inhibiting the leakage current. Consequently, the derived photodetector shows high responsivity with a detectivity of over 10 12 Jones ranging from 800 to 970 nm. Such low-cost, solution processable NIR photodetectors with high performance show promising potential for future optoelectronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Graphene-silicon layered structures on single-crystalline Ir(111) thin films

Epitaxial growth of graphene on transition metal crystals, such as Ru,⁽¹⁻³⁾ Ir,⁽⁴⁻⁶⁾ and Ni,⁽⁷⁾ provides large-area, uniform graphene layers with controllable defect density, which is crucial for practical applications in future devices. To decrease the high cost of single-crystalline metal bulks, single-crystalline metal films are strongly suggested as the substrates for epitaxial growth large-scale high-quality graphene.⁽⁸⁻¹⁰⁾ Moreover, in order to weaken the interactions of graphene with its metal host, which may result in a suppression of the intrinsic properties of graphene,⁽¹¹ ¹²⁾ the method of element intercalation of semiconductors at the interface between an epitaxial graphene layer and a transition metal substrate has been successfully realized.⁽¹³⁻¹⁶⁾

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

In situ X-ray and IR probes relevant to Earth science at the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory

Access to synchrotron X-ray facilities has become an important aspect for many disciplines in experimental Earth science. This is especially important for studies that rely on probing samples in situ under natural conditions different from the ones found at the surface of the Earth. The non-ambient condition Earth science program at the Advanced Light Source (ALS), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, offers a variety of tools utilizing the infra-red and hard X-ray spectrum that allow Earth scientists to probe Earth and environmental materials at variable conditions of pressure, stress, temperature, atmospheric composition, and humidity. These facilities are important tools for the user community in that they offer not only considerable capacity (non-ambient condition diffraction) but also complementary (IR spectroscopy, microtomography), and in some cases unique (Laue microdiffraction) instruments. The availability of the ALS’ in situ probes to the Earth science community grows especially critical during the ongoing dark time of the Advanced Photon Source in Chicago, which massively reduces available in situ synchrotron user time in North America.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗