High-energy x-ray micro-mapping of materials: engineering applications

Introduction and organization The use of synchrotron based high-energy x-ray scattering in materials/engineering programs is relatively new to both the synchrotron and engineering communities in the United States. In Europe such efforts are more advanced with engineering beam lines existent or under construction at ESRF in France, at PETRA III in Germany, and at Diamond in England. The industrial support which these beamline's will provide offers a significant competitive advantage to engineering intensive industries in the EU. The goals of this white paper are three fold. To make the case to the synchrotron community that creation of beam lines for engineering applications is both called for and important. To make the case to the engineering/industrial community that synchrotron based high-energy x-ray can make a significant contribution to enhancing their research and applications programs. Finally to make the case to funding agencies, like the DOE (both the basic science and applied science divisions), the DOD, the NSF and potentially industries, that scientific infrastructure investment in such facilities are very much in the best interest of science/engineering and of the nation. It should be noted that while the focus here is on engineering applications, these facilities would serve many basic science needs as well. The specific concentration of this white paper will be on the scientific motivation and the pressing need for high-energy white beam energy dispersive x-ray diffraction (EDXRD) facilities for engineering applications. The sectional organization of this white paper is outlined briefly below.