LigHt
Heated single crystal. Photo: Andreas Lindblad.
LigHt is a new experimental research infrastructure with a focus on the characterisation of energy materials, especially those that in their functionality depend on light elements such as hydrogen and lithium.
LigHt will combine several techniques for materials characterisation and enable scientists to conduct interdisciplinary research.
What makes LigHt unique is that three new techniques – SIMS, EP-HAXPES and XRD – will be integrated into already existing infrastructure coupled to the Tandem accelerator at the Ångström Laboratory at Uppsala University.
The combination of the different techniques will allow to determine chemical bindings, chemical composition as well as the structure of materials with high accuracy. The new infrastructure will also make it possible to measure how sensitive materials change when they react with various gases or are exposed to high temperatures or other stresses – all within the same facility without breaking the vacuum.
One of the project goals is to use LigHt to study materials systems at all stages of their life cycle – from design over production to aging, decomposition and recycling. The research at LigHt will for example contribute to longer lasting batteries, storage of hydrogen in solid materials or prevention of corrosion in fuel cells. The research may also lead to the development of new materials for applications within fusion, wind power and solar energy.
The broad expertise within the project creates an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary environment and increases the potential for collaborations within Uppsala University as well as with researchers from MAX IV and ESS. LigHt will also be accessible for scientists from other universities and companies, both national and international.
Funding
LigHt is funded by the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE) with SEK 32.5 million.