Welcome to the 2nd workshop on the Use of Large Science Facilities in Metals Research (ULSFMR2025)!

Synchrotron X-rays and neutrons are powerful tools for the characterization of structures and their changes in metallic materials because of their large penetration depths. Advanced synchrotron and neutron sources have been operated in America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania over the past twenty years. The first workshop on the Use of Large Science Facilities in Metal Research (ULSFMR) was held in Shenyang, China, from November 11 to 12, 2023. More than 50 scientists and students from 7 countries attended the workshop and twenty of them were invited to give talks on recent progress in instrumentation and application-oriented studies of metallic materials using synchrotron X-rays and neutrons. Following the success of the first workshop in Shenyang, the second workshop will be held on the campus of the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand from February 16 to February 20, 2025. The workshop will be organized by Prof. Peng Cao, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland, and Prof Sarat Singamneni, School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology.

With the success of the first workshop, ULSFMR2025 is poised to further establish a network of researchers dedicated to utilizing large science facilities for innovative materials research. This platform will support ongoing efforts to advance the capabilities and applications of synchrotron and neutron techniques, ultimately contributing to the broader science community's knowledge base.

ULSFMR2025 will take place in Auckland, New Zealand, offering a continuation of the fruitful discussions from the inaugural workshop in Shenyang. This event will gather scientists and students involved in characterizing metallic materials using synchrotron X-rays and neutrons. The focus will be on sharing knowledge and advancements in instrumentation, as well as application-oriented studies.

Participants will engage in sessions designed to foster collaboration and stimulate new ideas within the field of advanced materials characterization. The workshop aims to bridge gaps between theoretical research and practical applications, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogues. Emphasis will be placed on recent technological developments and methodologies that enhance our understanding of metallic materials.

Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction

Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD) is a technique that utilizes high brilliance synchrotron sources to provide detailed information about the atomic structure of crystalline materials by analyzing diffraction patterns generated by X-rays.


Key Topics

Neutron Scattering

Neutron scattering is a technique that involves the use of neutrons to examine the dynamic and static properties of condensed matter at the microscopic level. Neutrons, which have no electrical charge, can easily penetrate materials and interact with the nuclei of the sample. By analyzing the energy and momentum transfer of the scattered neutrons, information about the material's characteristics can be obtained.