Evaluation of Synchrotron Mössbauer Spectroscopy Data using the CONUSS software

Nuclear Resonant Scattering (NRS) techniques provide the Earth and planetary science community with opportunities for new and exciting results on the properties of materials at high pressure and temperature conditions. Such NRS experiments have become possible due to the characteristics of third-generation synchrotron radiation sources such as the Advanced Photon Source. NRS techniques fall into two broad areas:

Synchrotron Mössbauer Spectroscopy (SMS) provides information on magnetic properties and valence state of iron in minerals and high-pressure phases. It is also sensitive to solid-melt transitions.

Nuclear Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (NRIXS) provides information on vibrational and elastic properties, such as the phonon density of states and sound velocities.

Both methods are in many ways ideally or even uniquely suited for addressing a number of important geophysical questions.

Workshop goals

This two-day workshop is organized within the COMPRES infrastructure development initiative which is aimed at creating state-of-the-art NRS techniques for characterizing the properties of materials under the high-P-T conditions of planetary interiors. In particular, we intend to

• provide a basic introduction of SMS to the Earth science community,
• introduce the CONUSS software for SMS data evaluation,
• provide "hands on" training in the use of the CONUSS software,
• address common experimental issues confronting users.

The first day will include tutorials on SMS and the use of the CONUSS software. The participants of the workshop will then evaluate SMS data by themselves. Some knowledge of NRS in general is required to benefit from the participation in this meeting. The program of this workshop is specifically designed for scientists and graduate students in the Earth-science community who want to learn how to evaluate SMS spectra and interpret the results.

Location and Time

The workshop will take place at the Advanced Photon Source on October 29-30, 2005. Accommodations are arranged at the Argonne Guest House. Please note that Argonne National Laboratory requires a security check for visitors which may take up to two months, particularly for citizens of countries that are considered "sensitive countries" under DOE regulations. It is important to register as early as possible .

Support

Meals during the workshop and accommodation expenses for participants staying at the Argonne Guest House will be fully covered. Also a limited amount of travel support will be available on request.

Workshop announcment (pdf)