This School will focus on the fundamentals of SAXS data reduction and analysis as well as its applications to hierarchical systems.

Successful small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) experiment requires appropriate data reduction and analysis tools. Igor Pro based packages Nika (for SAXS data reduction) and Irena (for SAXS data analysis) were developed during the last 10 years at the APS. They are already being used widely for material science SAXS at the APS and at other facilities worldwide. These tools are commonly taught during "Beyond Rg" – SAXS short course organized semi-annually by APS SAXS SIG. However, the main audience of the SAXS short course is new SAXS users, starting with their own SAXS program and therefore it focuses more heavily on experiments, theory etc. The time devoted in this course for software is insufficient for experienced experimenters interested in complex software applications.

Therefore, the APS SAXS Special Interest Group (SIG) together with the ERX Group of LNLS are organizing this specialized, hands-on, school specifically on the SAXS software Nika and Irena. The school will be taught by the software author, Jan Ilavsky, APS staff member. In order to provide high educational value, the number of participants will be limited to 25. Participants are expected to have a reasonable level of SAXS experience and bring their own computers (Windows or OSX). In addition, they are encouraged to bring their own SAXS experimental results.

Applications are accepted from Oct 8 to Dec 7. See more.