ISRD/SEES Hands-On Training Workshop:
A Tutorial on Synchrotron-Based Rock Deformation Experiments

March 2-4, 2026
Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory

Overview
ISRD-RCN and SEES will host a hands-on workshop to introduce synchrotron techniques to the rock deformation community on March 2–4, 2026, at the Advanced Photon Source in Lemont, Illinois. The workshop will focus on synchrotron-based high-pressure, high-temperature rock deformation experiments conducted at beamline 6-BM and GSECARS.

The purpose of this hands-on workshop is to provide practical training in high-pressure, high-temperature experimental techniques using synchrotron radiation in a real beamline environment. Participating researchers will gain experience in preparing deformation cell assemblies, operating high-pressure presses, monitoring strain and stress, measuring sound velocities during deformation experiments, and performing preliminary data processing.

The workshop is intended for researchers interested in applying synchrotron techniques to experimental rock deformation, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists.

Agenda

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Click here to download the agenda!

Location & Access
The workshop will take place at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL).

  • ANL/APS Site Access: Access instructions are available here.
  • ANL Campus Map: View the campus map here.
  • APS Map (Sector Locations): See the APS map highlighting Sector 13 and Sector 6, where the hands-on work and demonstrations will take place here.

Accommodations & Travel Support
Lodging for workshop participants will be provided by SEES through a group room block at the Argonne Guest House. Limited reimbursement-based travel support is also available to help offset domestic travel within the United States. Participants have received detailed instructions regarding lodging and travel support by email.

Funding
In Situ Studies of Rock Deformation (ISRD, https://www.isrdrcn.org) is a research network funded by NSF (EAR-1926627). The goal is to facilitate the integration of beamline technologies with deformation experiments and to create new directions for experimental rock deformation research.

Synchrotron Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES, https://seescience.org) is a program funded by the National Science Foundation (EAR-2223273). SEES advances Earth and environmental science research through coordinated use of U.S. synchrotron user facilities.

Contact
Questions can be directed to [email protected].