Application for Beamtime

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Note: As of Run 2010-1, BioCARS is using the APS scheduling system for scheduling user beamtime. To submit the trip information for your scheduled beamtime, please follow the link in your beamtime confirmation or ESAF reminder e-mails or login to the APS scheduling system.

New Users

For detailed information and forms, please visit the APS New User page.

  1. Submit an APS User Registration Form for each user. Non-U.S. citizens must have security clearance before access to the laboratory can be granted. Because this process takes several weeks, we encourage users to register with the APS as soon as possible. Upon registration you will receive an APS badge number.

    2. How to use your APS badge number and password:

    • When you register as a user, you will receive a 5- or 6-digit APS badge number that is your permanent identification with Argonne National Laboratory and many APS computer systems.
    • The first time you log into an APS user application (e.g., proposal system), your password will be your badge number; you will be prompted immediately to change it. Please read the password requirements carefully as it usually takes most users a few attempts to find a successful password.
    • Thereafter, your password is the same for most APS web-based user applications (proposals, schedule, safety, remote access training, etc.).
    • If you forget your password, click the password link on the login page of the system you want to use; a new password will be emailed right away to the address on record at the APS. The next time you log on, you will be prompted to change your password.
  2. Review the proposal process and submit a proposal.
  3. Establish a user agreement. The institution sponsoring the user's work at the APS must have a signed user agreement in place before any hands-on work may be conducted. A list of institutions with signed agreements is available for consultation in the page listed above.
  4. Open a material & supplies account (proprietary research or non-proprietary research) with Argonne National Laboratory if you wish to purchase supplies in the APS stockroom.
  5. Once beamtime has been allocated and BioCARS has contacted you with dates, complete an Experiment Safety Assessment Form (ESAF) via the link sent in your confirmation letter or by logging in to the APS scheduling system. Complete the ESAF at least 10 business days before your visit. The ESAF must be approved by both BioCARS and APS safety personnel before you can begin work.
  6. Complete all required training remotely or immediately upon arrival.

    7. How to use the APS remote training system:

    • Enter your user badge number. You will be shown a page with core courses listed.
    • To take any course, click on the link for the course.
    • You can print a PDF version of the course as a study guide, take the course and test, or take a challenge exam. If you elect either of the latter two options, you will need to re-enter your badge number and to enter the web password (same as for proposal submission via the proposal system).
    • Successful completion of the course will be automatically recorded in Argonne's Training Management System within an hour.

    Questions about training? Contact the APS User Office at 630-252-9090 or apsuser@aps.anl.gov.

  7. When your work is published, send the publication to the APS (apspubs@aps.anl.gov) with a copy to Katie Tietz (tietz@cars.uchicago.edu). Include the BioCARS acknowledgment statement in your publications.

Returning Users

  1. Apply for beamtime.
  2. Submit an updated APS User Registration Form as a "returning user" to provide your current information. Non-U.S. citizens with expired or expiring security clearance are encouraged to re-register with the APS as soon as possible.
  3. Make sure all your required training is current by contacting the APS User Office (630-252-9090, apsuser@aps.anl.gov) or Katie Tietz (tietz@cars.uchicago.edu; 630-252-0450). Complete any expired training remotely, or contact the APS User Office or Katie to schedule on-site training.
  4. Once beamtime has been allocated and BioCARS has contacted you with dates, complete an Experiment Safety Assessment Form (ESAF) via the link sent in your confirmation letter or by logging in to the APS scheduling system. Complete the ESAF at least 10 business days before your visit. The ESAF must be approved by both BioCARS and APS safety personnel before you can begin work.
  5. When your work is published, send the publication to the APS (apspubs@aps.anl.gov) with a copy to Katie Tietz (tietz@cars.uchicago.edu). Include the BioCARS acknowledgment statement in your publications.