Analysis of Scientific and Technological Performance and Impact of Synchrotron Radiation Light Source Based on Beamlines

A Case Study of Advanced Photon Source

Abstract

Synchrotron radiation light source has brought about new discoveries in a wide range from basic scientific research, technical innovation to industry fields, which is offering extreme experimental means and conditions as a kind of typically large scientific user facility, like a giant microscope. Meanwhile, several major challenges, such as high technical complexity, long construction period and cost risk, request more caution of management practices. Monitoring and evaluating the scientific and technological performance are effective solutions to optimize the operation and use of synchrotron radiation light source.

This paper assessed the scientific and technological performance and impact of Advanced Photon Source (APS) in USA as an example, especially from the perspective of 68 simultaneously beamlines/endstations, which are the key components of research infrastructure and the frontier of scientific service. The main dataset was constructed based on the academic paper records allocated from the official website, including the output using APS and by the staffs of APS focusing on the establishment, development and upgrade of APS during 1985 to 2019. Each beamline was analyzed under the framework of “facilitymetrics”, and the quantitative performance measures included overall trend and activity level, discipline distribution, requirements in various countries, academic impact, hot themes and main experimental approaches.

Furthermore, several issues about the sustainability of large facility were discussed briefly: (1) the necessary of upgrade; (2) the challenge and alternativity from new disruptive experimental instruments and technology; (3) supporting trans-disciplines scientific research effectively; (4) international cooperation and different access demands in various countries user.