OSCARS/MatScatNet Project
Questions about the OSCARS funded MatScatNet project
Table of Contents
What is the OSCARS/MatScatNet program?
The Open Science Clusters' Action for Research & Society (OSCARS) program is an EU-funded initiative aimed to consolidate past achievements of the Science Clusters into lasting interdisciplinary FAIR data services and working practices.
We are running the MatScatNet project funded by OSCARS to build and open X-ray diffraction and scattering measurements database. In building this resource, we will also provide researchers with access to high-quality synchrotron X-ray diffraction and total scattering measurements at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. Key features of the program include:
- Free measurements for up to 5 samples per participant, including high-resolution X-ray powder diffraction (HR-XRPD) and total scattering pair distribution function (TS-PDF) analysis
- Access to state-of-the-art beamline facilities (specifically beamline ID31 at the ESRF)
- Contribution to an open-access global database for materials scattering data
- An embargo period (typically 6 months) to ensure researchers have time to complete their studies before data is published in the database
The program is designed to support researchers across various fields including materials science, chemistry, and energy storage, providing valuable structural insights into both crystalline and amorphous materials.
Researchers need to register on the Momentum Transfer platform, create a request using the "OSCARS25" promotional code, and then ship their samples following specific preparation guidelines. The shipping costs are covered by the participants, but the measurements themselves are free under the OSCARS/MatScatNet project.
How many samples can I submit under the OSCARS/MatScatNet program?
What if I want to measure more than 5 samples?
If you wish to submit more than 5 samples, you can do so through our regular paid measurement service. The pricing for additional samples starts at approximately €88 per measurement for 5 measurements, with lower rates available for larger quantities.
What types of measurements are included in the OSCARS/MatScatNet program?
The OSCARS/MatScatNet project includes two types of measurements for each sample:
High-Resolution X-ray Powder Diffraction (HR-XRPD)
- Provides detailed crystallographic information
- Helps identify crystalline phases and their structures
- Allows for quantitative phase analysis
- Can be used for Rietveld refinement to determine precise crystal structures
Total Scattering Pair Distribution Function (TS-PDF)
- Provides information about local atomic arrangements and medium-range order
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Particularly useful for:
- Local structure: atomic bond lengths and local coordination environments
- Medium-range order: polyhedral connections, ring structures, and clusters
- Long-range order: domain size and lower dimensional ordered structural motifs
- Especially valuable for disordered, nanostructured, or amorphous materials
Both measurements are performed at the ESRF synchrotron facility (beamline ID31) and are included free for each of the 5 samples under the OSCARS program.
It's worth noting that while HR-XRPD and TS-PDF are included for free by the OSCARS/MatScatNet project, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements are not included and need to be arranged separately as part of the paid service.
How do I register for the OSCARS/MatScatNet project?
To register for the OSCARS project, follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm Your Participation
- Visit the confirmation link: https://oscars-momentum-transfer.com/xrd-samples
- This secures your spot in the program (don't send samples at this stage)
Step 2: Register on the Platform
- Visit the Momentum Transfer platform: https://app.momentum-transfer.com
- Create an account if you don't have one yet
- Log in to your account
- Here you will find detailed instructions
Step 3: Add Your Samples
- Navigate to the samples section
- Add up to 5 samples to the system
- Provide detailed information for each sample (chemical composition, common/IUPAC names, etc.)
Complete the Metadata Fields for Your Samples
To maximize find-ability and utility of the data collected for this project, we ask participants to complete the metadata entries for their samples. This can be performed at any point in time either before sending samples or later on after the measurements when more information is available. To do so, go to the “Samples” tab in the App, select any sample, and then select “Edit metadata” to fill out the information.
Step 4: Create a Request
- Create a new measurement request
- Select the option "I have a quote" in the form
- Enter "OSCARS25" in the promotion code text field
- Complete all required fields in the request form
- Submit your request
- Here you will find detailed instructions
Step 5: Wait for Approval
- Your request will be reviewed to ensure the samples can be properly processed
- If there are any questions, a team member will contact you
- Once approved, you'll receive an email titled “Request Accepted”
Step 6: Ship Your Samples
- Follow the shipping instructions provided in the acceptance email
- Use the specified shipping address
- If shipping from outside the EU, attach a proforma invoice (typically declaring €1 value per sample)
Step 7: Provide Tracking Information
- Once your samples are dispatched, enter the tracking link in your request on the portal. This helps the team monitor the shipment and prepare for its arrival.
- Here you will find detailed instructions
After your samples are received, they will be scheduled for measurement at the next available beamtime. You will receive a confirmation email typically one or two days before the beamtime, and you will also be notified when the results are available on the portal.
Are there any costs for the measurements under the OSCARS/ MatScatNet program?
As part of our EU-funded OSCARS program, the measurement services (HR-XRPD and TS-PDF) are fully funded, and there are no charges for measurements or sample preparation. However, the shipping costs for sending your samples to us in France will need to be covered by you. Send us an email at team@momentum-transfer.com and we are happy to provide you with an offer.
How should I acknowledge the OSCARS program in publications?
"We acknowledge the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) for provision of synchrotron radiation facilities and Momentum Transfer for facilitating the measurements. Jakub Drnec is thanked for assistance and support in using beamline ID31. The measurement setup was developed with funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the STREAMLINE project (grant agreement ID 870313). Measurements performed as part of the MatScatNet project were supported by OSCARS through the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme under grant agreement
No. 101129751."