Research Aide - XSD - Baker, Nicholas - 5.20.26

Precision Cleaning of X-ray Mirror Surfaces for Synchrotron Optics

Mirrors-surface contamination is a major challenge for all high-brightness and high coherent X-ray sources such the Advanced Photon Source and LCLS, and others. Under intense X-ray irradiation, hydrocarbons, particulates, and residual gases can form nanometer-scale carbonaceous films that degrade mirror performance. This eight-week project will investigate cleaning methods for precision X-ray mirror surfaces, including CO₂ cleaning, solvent cleaning, and peelable First Contact Polymer methods used in demanding optical systems such as LIGO and major telescopes. These approaches will be compared with established APS techniques such as solvents and DI-water, UV/ozone, oxygen plasma, and other low-damage cleaning methods, with emphasis on whether preparatory or repeated cleaning can prevent or control black, shellac-like carbon films.

The student will conduct a literature review, prepare and test substrate samples, compare results with reference surfaces, work with APS experts in coatings, metrology, and optics cleaning, and prepare a final report and presentation summarizing results and recommendations.

Education and Experience Requirements

• The entirety of the appointment must be conducted within the United States.
• Applicants must be:

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited institution.
• Graduated from an accredited institution within the past 3 months; or
• Actively enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution.

• Must be 18 years or older at the time the appointment begins.
• Must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• If accepting an offer, candidates may be required to complete pre-employment drug testing based on appointment length. All students remain subject to applicable drug testing policies.
• Must complete a satisfactory background check.

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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EEO Information

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.