LVP experiments at P61B — without synchrotron X-rays
🔎 Information for: applying for Large Volume Press (LVP) experiments at P61B without synchrotron X-rays.
⏱ Key deadline: Submit your complete application at least 5 weeks before your desired start date.
📧 Contact: Robert Farla (Beamline Manager) — send your application directly to him.
1. How to apply
Send the following complete application to Robert Farla (Beamline Manager) at least 5 weeks before your desired start date. Incomplete submissions will delay review.
Your application must include:
- A completed Short Proposal for the project, which must state:
- A short introduction, clearly described experimental strategy (conditions, number of runs), detailed scientific case, as well as expected outcomes.
- Whether the project requires a single visit (up to 15 shifts / 5 days) or multiple visits (specify total number of shifts).
- Your preferred week(s) for the experiments (see Available periods below).
- Any beamline resources you require — e.g. anvils (type/TEL), cell assembly parts (include drawings), gaskets, etc. We need at least 5 weeks' notice for consumables: preparation of assembly parts is time-consuming, and thermocouples are not pre-prepared.
- A completed Proposal Form.
After submission, allow up to 1 week for internal review at P61B. We will decide whether to offer the LVP for experiments based on scientific feasibility and your request for resources. Note that this proposal is not externally peer-reviewed. Reimbursement for travel and accommodation is therefore not possible.
Your local contact at the beamline is available to assist you, but we expect a certain level of prior experience with multianvil techniques. Any beamline staff involved in your experiments appreciates being included in eventual publications. Thank you for your understanding.
2. Available periods
The following periods are available for LVP experiments without X-rays. Closed periods are shown for reference only.
Closed periods (no longer accepting applications):
✘ 08–12 Dec 2025 | ✘ 16–27 Feb 2026 | ✘ 02–25 March 2026 | ✘ 18–22 May 2026
✅ 15–19 June 2026
✅ 10–14 August 2026
3. Steps after approval
If your submission passes internal review, you will be offered shifts on agreed dates. Note: DOOR applications for LVP experiments without X-rays follow the same procedure as proposals for beam time.
- The PI and all team members must be registered in DOOR and have up-to-date safety training (as required for beam time).
- Robert Farla (Beamline Manager) creates a DOOR proposal for the project and notifies the PI.
- The PI logs into DOOR and applies for LVP special instrument use under "Submission of experiment specifications for additional proposal types at our facilities". The proposal should be listed there. If it is not visible after a reasonable time, please follow up with Robert Farla. Using the DOOR form, the PI submits the instrument specification, planned setup, and preferred dates as discussed with the Beamline Manager.
- NEW! Users may also apply for access to the DESY NanoLab (e.g. for post-analysis by SEM or EBSD). If you wish to use the NanoLab, inform Robert Farla immediately — access is not guaranteed unless agreed in advance between you, Robert Farla, and the NanoLab contact person.
- DOOR notifies the PI that the experiment dates have been confirmed by the Beamline Manager.
- Before arrival, the PI and all team members must complete the following in DOOR — see Requirements below for details:
- DOOR safety training (Basic + PETRA III modules; additional modules if using the benchtop XRD)
- Declaration of substances
- All other required pre-arrival tasks
- The PI and team are expected to arrive 1 day before the first planned experiment day — or earlier if assembly preparation has not yet been done.
- After each visit, the PI submits an experiment report in DOOR within 6 months. Timely reporting improves your chances of being offered future experiment time.
The DOOR proposal remains active until all shifts for the project have been used. For a follow-up visit, return to Step 3 above. A new project requires a new proposal and restarts the full application process from the beginning.
4. Requirements before your visit
The following must all be in place before you arrive. Most of these are managed through DOOR.
- Safety training (mandatory): You must complete the Basic and PETRA III safety training modules in DOOR. If you will use the benchtop XRD, you must additionally complete: MECHANICALS (Workshop) and X-RAY GENERATORS.
- Consumables and cell assemblies (5-week notice required): If you require P61B to supply anvils, cell assembly parts, or other consumables, communicate this in your original application. Clearly state your choice of assembly (e.g. 20/15, 18/10, 14/7, or 10/4), choice of heater, and any minor custom modifications. Thermocouples are not pre-prepared.
- DACHS card (first visit only): Obtain a DACHS card at building 6, room R110 — bring proof of identity. This card gives you independent access to the sample preparation lab once activated by Robert Farla (Beamline Manager). More information here.
- Accommodation: Book early via the DESY guesthouse website. Do not leave this until the last moment.