First Physics of X-Ray and Neutron Multilayer Structures Workshop at the University of Twente
The Physics of X-Ray and Neutron Multilayer Structures 2016 workshop, in short PXRNMS 2016, took place on 10 and 11 November 2016 in the Gallery on the campus of the University of Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands. An enthousiastic group of 100 participants, including PhDs, master students, postdocs as well as senior researchers from academia and industry, attended the workshop and presented their work on EUV, X-ray and neutron multilayer structures.
Goal
The goal of the workshop was to revive the tradition of the series of the very successful Physics of X-Ray Multilayer Structures Conferences that were organized for many years until 2010. In that line, a strong focus was maintained on the physics of nanoscale multilayer design and growth, their analysis, their temporal and thermal stability and radiation resistance. These films are key components in optical systems in the EUV, XUV and X-ray wavelength region, and are used for reflection, imaging, monochromatization, phase retardation, beam splitting, and shaping of ultra-short pulses. Applications include EUV lithography, X-ray astronomy, and synchrotron and FEL beam lines, all requiring the highest grade of quality of the nanoscale structures. The field of neutron optics was added to the scope of the workshop, since neutrons have similar wavelengths, design principles and materials issues.
Blended group
The workshop was well attended by 100 participants from 13 countries, among them 89 from Europe (Germany, Spain, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Denmark Austria, Slovak Republic and the Netherlands), 6 from Asia and 5 from the United States. In total fourteen women were participating in this workshop. Two sessions were chaired by female scientists and among the speakers were two female speakers of which one was invited. Four women presented a poster.
Organisation
The workshop was organized by Eric Louis and his team of the Industrial Focus Group XUV Optics at MESA+ at the University of Twente. Encouraged by this success, the following PXRNMS workshop will be organized in Paris, France in October/November 2018 by the Institute d’Optique.
The workshop was financially supported by FOM, MESA+, the Province of Overijsel, and the companies optiXfab, AXO, Incoatec and Rigaku.