Laboratory astrophysics at the Diamond Light Source -- the structure and evolution of cosmic dust analogues

The Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron radiation facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire. It produces intense beams of X-rays which can be used to study the structure of solid materials. This project will use X-ray diffraction and other techniques at Diamond to study the structure and evolution of cosmic dust analogues, as they are processed and exposed to conditions that simulate those found in the early Solar System, and in planetary, proto-planetary and circum-stellar environments. In particular the project will exploit the new "Long Duration Experiment" facility that will be available on the powder diffraction beam-line I11; this facility will get closer to replicating cosmic environments than has hitherto been possible. The project will also provide ample opportunities for training in a wide variety of laboratory skills.