Support Overview
The SSRL SMB/XAS group is directly responsible for user support on three SMB/XAS-dedicated beam lines, BL 4-3, BL 7-3 and BL 9-3, and also provides user support wherever SMB/XAS equipment (detectors, cryostats, rails) is employed. This support is provided by three sets of personnel with somewhat overlapping areas of responsibility.
Beam Line Scientists
"How does this work?" or "Why doesn't this work?" There are four Beam Line Scientists (Erik Nelson, Courtney Roach, Allyson Aranda, and Matthew Latimer) that provide most of the experiment-related user support, including experimental setup, beam line, cryostat, detector, and software training, and general troubleshooting. Questions about support and generally how to do XAS experiments before coming to and while visiting SSRL can be directed to the BL scientists and if they do not have answers, they usually know where to go to get them.
Most of the day-to-day user support responsibility lies with the BL scientists. To facilitate user communication with on-duty staff, the BL scientists carry cell phones. These numbers are listed at each beam line. Users can expect a response between the hours of 7 AM - 10 PM on weekdays, 8 AM - 5 PM on weekends and holidays. Users can call outside of those times and leave a message.
Note: Any emergency or potentially hazardous situation should be immediately reported to the duty operator. After-hours problems can also be reported directly to the duty operator, who can call in additional help if needed.
Technical Staff
"Who can get me the stuff I need?" Jeff Maske (x3833, pager: (650) 849-9522) handles anything from providing users with cryostat cells and holders, miscellaneous lab equipment, and also handles liquid He dewar swapping. Jeff is typically available Mon-Fri during regular working hours.
Additional Support
The SMB XAS group has three staff scientists, Ritimukta Sarangi, Sam Webb, and Tsu-Chien Weng who are available to provide advice and expertise to users. Britt Hedman is the Group Leader for the SMB/XAS group and also Science Director of SSRL. Martin George is scientific programmer for the SMB/XAS group and has responsibility for data acquisition software and computers.