Planning and Running
a Successful B-SAXS/D Experiment on BL 4-2
This page outlines what is required to receive
beam time roughly in the order of occurrence. Please feel free to contact
B-SAXS/D staff for questions, either scientific or technical.
The SSRL general user proposal submittal information can be found here.
1. Proposal
Submittal (4-6 months before your first beam time)
The first step is to submit an experimental proposal which will be reviewed by the SSRL proposal panel. Your proposal will receive a score which sets priority of receiving beam time among all competing proposals. However, receiving a reasonably high score does not guarantee a beam time slot due to oversubscription and other scheduling requirements. Structural Biology projects receive priority over non-biological studies on obtaining beam time on BL 4-2. There are typically two proposal deadlines per year. Proceed on to step 2 to request a beam time based on a reviewed proposal.
Proposal
Application Form (Right-click to download)
Letters of Intent (LOIs)
There is a way of getting a short beam time without going through
the full review process. Further inquiry can be made to B-SAXS/D
staff or check out the proposal
submittal page.
Of Special Note: Bio-SAXS/D Rapid Access
In June 2005, we initiated a new rapid access proposal mechanism for biological SAXS/D exclusively on BL4-2. At least 1 block of 2-3 shifts will be set aside each month for Bio-SAXS/D Rapid Access (during normal user operation runs). Applications submitted by the first of the month will be peer reviewed by the PRP SMB sub-panel for feasibility and scientific merit. Spokespersons will be contacted within 2 weeks so that beam time can be arranged for the Rapid Access applications that are accepted and scored the highest. It is our goal to complete the entire process within 1 month. If you are interested in applying for Rapid Access now, please complete the electronic form at the following link: http://www-ssrl.slac.stanford.edu/users/user_admin/bio_saxs_rapidaccess.html
2. Beam Time Request (2-3 months before your
beam time)
SSRL operates as a dedicated synchrotron radiation source typically
for ~9 months per year (usually from November through July). SSRL administration
schedules your beam time slot on average 3 times a year according to user
request and proposal rating. Beam Time Request Forms are sent to the Spokesperson
for all active proposals approximately three months in advance of each scheduling
period. Please include the specifics of your experimental setup with the beam
time request. Please note that in order to schedule your allocated beam time
into a time slot with the appropriate experimental setup, it is necessary
that the beam time request form be completely filled out. Sample-to-detector
distance and type of monochromator crystals desired must be clearly indicated.
The Si(111) crystals are recommended for narrow bandpass work (most SAXS/D
experiments) and the multilayers for experiments that can trade bandpass for
flux, e.g. time-resolved studies. For further information or advice,
please contact the B-SAXS/D staff prior to sending
in beam time requests.
3. User Support Request
You will receive this form,
which doubles as beam time notification, when your beam slot has been scheduled.
You can verify available equipment during your beam time. Please update sample
safety issues, if any. Additional support can also be requested, including
equipment in the sample preparation laboratory directly above BL4-2. The online User Support Request is here.
4. Computer Accounts
A computer usage security agreement must be on file prior to
the beginning of the experiment. Forms are included with beamtime assignments
and can also be obtained from the SSRL user administration office in Bldg. 120. An SSRL-domain beam line user account for Windows PC is required for each user group. An account
on the BL4-2 Windows2000 server can be set-up after arrival at SSRL (contact: Samuil Belopolskiy ext. 3003)
and wired and wireless network
connections for User PCs are also available. You may also need an account on the Linux machine that is used for most data collection. The beam line staff can help you set up the Linux account. Please
resolve all computer account issues during weekdays when your beam time starts
on Friday or over the weekend.
5. Data backup
We ask users to store data on our Linux file server, which
is NFS-mounted to other Linux PCs for data collection and processing. The
access to the file server is also provided to our Windows XP PCs via Samba protocol.
The Windows XP PCs are equipped with either a CD-RW, CD+/-RW, or DVD+/-RW drive for
user data backup. Users can also connect an external USB or Firewire hard
drive (not provided) to one of our PCs for retrieving data.
6. Safety Training
Ensure that all of your safety training is up to date. SSRL requires that at least one member of your group has No-bars training and GERT training, which must be updated every two years. Safety training must be completed by Friday if your beam time starts over the weekend or holiday. Please schedule safety training with SSRL user administration.
7. End of Run Summary Form
Users are strongly encouraged to submit an end
of run summary form electronically at the end of your allocated beam time in order to give
us feedback. Hardcopy forms are also available. We would also be happy to discuss any technical issues and suggestions for improvement during user beam time.
8. Publishing your data
Proper acknowledgement for the use of SSRL facilities is requested
so that we can continue to support your experiments. BL4-2 users should use
an acknowledgement statement similar to the one below:
"Portions of this research were carried out at the Stanford
Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, a national user facility operated by Stanford
University on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy
Sciences. The SSRL Structural Molecular Biology Program is supported by the
Department of Energy, Office of Biological and Environmental Research, and
by the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Research Resources,
Biomedical Technology Program."
9. Reporting publications
Please report any new publication that is a result of experimental data obtained at SSRL to SSRL User Administration.
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