How Is INSA Lyon Enhancing Materials Science with the Xeuss 3.0 SAXS/WAXS Instrument?

A standout feature of the Xeuss 3.0 for the team at INSA Lyon is the motorized SWAXS module, which enables simultaneous SAXS and WAXS measurements. The dual detector setup combines the main Q-Xoom detector for SAXS and a 3-axis motorized WAXS detector. Thus, this configuration allows for simultaneous collection of both in-plane and out-of-plane scattering data. According to Prof. Angelo Pommella, “We particularly appreciated the ability to perform simultaneous SAXS/WAXS measurements coupled with mechanical tests.”

From left to right: Dr. Jean-Marc Chenal, Dr. Paul Sotta, Dr. Damien Montarnal, Dr. Guillaume Sudre, Dr. Bruno Gardiola, Dr. Tra Nguyen

Furthermore, one of the defining advantages of the Xeuss 3.0 is its user-friendly design. The instrument’s intuitive software, coupled with fully automated alignment, allows the research team to quickly set up experiments and focus on the scientific questions at hand, rather than on technical aspects of the setup.

“The fully automatized aligning of the X-ray setup allows you to completely focus on the scientific aspect of the measurement without spending too much time on the technical side of the setup.”
Prof. Pommella.

This ease of use has been a key benefit for the laboratory, where 15 different users from various research groups within INSA Lyon and the University of Lyon, are now effectively utilizing the Xeuss 3.0, without needing extensive technical expertise.

Finally, the team at INSA Lyon has been particularly pleased with the level of customer support provided by Xenocs. From the initial installation to ongoing assistance, “The customer support has been excellent,” says Prof. Pommella, “They allowed us to start using the Xeuss 3.0 very quickly, and we continue to receive invaluable assistance whenever we need it.”

In addition to responsive support, the training provided by Xenocs was praised for its clarity and comprehensiveness. The research team appreciated how Xenocs’ experts answered all their questions and continued to assist them after the initial training. This ongoing assistance helped them fully maximize the potential of their Xeuss 3.0.

The MATEIS laboratory is located at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and mechanics. It focuses on studying three main classes of materials—metals, ceramics, and polymers—and their composites, while integrating their characteristics in volume, surface, and interfaces. The laboratory’s primary research axes include:

• The development of advanced material processes to create new microstructures and architectures that meet evolving requirements and increasingly high multifunctional constraints.
• The characterization and evolution of microstructures across various length scales.
• Investigating the relationships between microstructure and macroscopic behavior at different scales, from nanometers to millimeters, using a variety of characterization techniques such as mechanical, physical, and electrochemical methods.
• Examining the evolution of materials during use and their interaction with the environment, as part of a systemic approach.

INSA Lyon is a leading engineering school with strong humanist values that have formed the basis of its business model for more than 60 years. INSA Lyon boasts 22 research laboratories, more than 700 researchers and teacher-researchers, about 600 PhD students, and over 1,000 industrial contracts with the socio-economic world. Constantly working with companies and the industrial sector, our centers are specialized in several areas. It is a unique opportunity for our students to obtain a high quality research experience in one of our research centers. This represents a scientific and technological capital that accounts for much of the international prestige of the school.

Contact: Prof. Angelo Pommella, angelo.pommella@insa-lyon.fr