User Information

The beamline is open for a limited number of proposals from general users. The scheduling periods and deadlines for calls for proposals can be found in detail at SLS Proposal Calls.

General information on things that must be organized in advance of beamtime are described at PSI User Office - Before Arrival. Requests for badge, dosimeter, accommodation in the guest house and access to the chemistry lab can be placed via the DUO. It is mandatory that each team member is registered with the DUO for the effective duration of their stay.

It is recommended that the proposer contact the relevant beamline scientist (see Staff) to obtain any information required for preparing his/her experiment prior to the beamtime. It is essential that the forthcoming user has checked the following topics with the beamline scientist:

• Sample mounting
• Sample preparation
• Measurement conditions, use of the STM, supplies for cryo-cooling
• Shipping of devices and/or samples

Experiment setup, sample preparation and (if applicable) STM measurements are generally performed as part of the allocated beamtime. Time for long preparations and sample characterization should therefore be requested in the proposal. Sample loading or advance installation of complementary devices such as evaporators may be scheduled on a case-by-case basis during machine or beamline development shifts per explicit agreement with the beamline scientist.

Shipping of devices and/or samples

Be aware that Switzerland is not part of the European Union. Valid documents are required for any devices, samples and tools you bring or ship to Switzerland. Without valid documents, shipments can be delayed by several business days!

Please refer to the procedures in the General Shipping Instructions document. For large or expensive instruments a Carnet ATA is recommended (procedure A). Smaller items such as samples (procedure C) or evaporators (procedure D) can be sent with a pro-forma invoice. The necessary forms can be found here. Please register all shipments with our import/export manager at least two days before shipping.

Hazardous chemicals cannot be sent to PSI and will be refused.

Remote interactive access

The photoelectron spectroscopy/diffraction station can be controlled remotely via the NoMachine service. Users who wish to use the remote access service, should discuss it with their beamline contact. Details about the service can be found under photon science remote interactive access.