We are privileged as scientists to be in the town where the world’s most brilliant x-ray beam is in use. We use the x-rays to analyze various material’s structures on a nano-level. For example we use SAXS (small angle x-ray scattering) to see if a cosmetic formula has gotten a lamellar structure and how this swells. You can read more about SAXS in a separate section since we use this also without the synchrotron source.

Many various instruments can be attached to the the synchrotron and utilize its x-rays and researchers with extremely different areas of expertise or interests come together at such a facility. This, in itself, is valuable for us and our projects. What can be done at a facility such as MAX IV is constantly developing so contact us if you want to know more and especially if what you think you need could be found there.

EXAFS is another technique that has been valuable for us. The abbreviation stands for Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure. Using the technique makes it possible to see how close atoms are to each other and this in turn can let you know whether for example how a metal has bound to surrounding organic matter. We used it in the development of a new material but it is very often used in environmental or forensic studies because it is such a sensitive technique and valuable when the species of interest is in a very low concentration.