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.

Please refer to the general SLS guidelines for preparing a proposal.

If you require extra time for sample preparation and/or STM work, please declare how much time is needed for preparation, STM and photoemission, and include that time in the number of requested shifts.

Scheduling of user beamtime can be found at the SLS Operation Calendar.

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

Shift Schedule

User support is usually available during business hours, or as agreed with the local contact.

The current beam status can be viewed at SLS Realtime Status page.

Please refer to the guidelines for the publication of results from beamtime at the SLS. For a reference to the experimental setup, you may cite our beamline article.