Remote SERCCS 2021 Projects
| MENTOR | STUDENT | 2021 PROJECT |
| Kate Shanks | Daric Niclas |
"Integration of a novel area detector into beamline control and data acquisition system" Abstract: The use of novel, prototype x-ray detectors opens possibilities to expand beamline capabilities and perform measurements that were not previously possible. However, lab-developed prototype detectors often lack standard drivers and software for interfacing to beamline control and data acquisition systems, requiring the development of custom scripts and protocols that are time-consuming to construct and can hamper the overall experimental workflow. The mixed-mode pixel array detector (MM-PAD), developed at Cornell University, is a wide-dynamic-range area detector capable of framing continuously at 1 kHz. A 256 x 384 pixel version with a CdTe sensor has recently been added to the detector pool at CHESS and has been used to perform time-resolved in-situ diffraction studies of additive manufacturing at FAST. This project will focus on building a robust software interface between the MM-PAD and the beamline control and data acquisition system. |
| Richard Gillilan | TBD |
"Biology under extreme conditions" Abstract: Life on Earth manages to exist deep below the ocean floor where extreme pressures impact and determine the function of large biological molecules, the building blocks of life. At the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), a facility dedicated to high-pressure biological X-ray scattering (HP-Bio) studies those deep ocean molecules. We invite students to work with the HPBio scientific team over the summer to learn how to measure the structure and function of those molecules and contribute to developing the experimental tools employed at CHESS to study these systems under extreme conditions. |
| Qingqiu Huang | Jooi Albano |
"Characterizing the building blocks of life with X-rays" Abstract: Biological macromolecules like protein, DNA, and RNA form the building blocks of life. Understanding what these molecules look like, how they move, and how they function in cells leads to drug design and discovery. We are using high intensity X-rays provided by CHESS to understand the structure and function of macromolecules in detail, and we invite a student to work with us at CHESS for the summer on measurements and data analysis. |
| Jacob Ruff | Steven Brandon, Cristian Pompey |
"Supporting instruments for quantum materials characterization" Abstract: At the QM2 Beamline at CHESS, we study materials where the effects of quantum mechanics give rise to exotic and often incredible properties such as conducting electric current without resistance. We are using X-rays to study the origin of these quantum effects and bring the useful properties of these systems closer to everyday use. We invite students to work with us this summer developing controls and components for our experimental capabilities at the Center of High Energy X-ray Science (CHEXS). Typical projects may involve writing beamline control macros, and working with automated stages and camera systems, sample environments, software for data reduction, and hardware for signal processing. |
