New Users

If you are interested in working at CARS, please discuss your experimental plan with the appropriate beamline scientist. When you have confirmed that the beamline is suitable, you can begin the process of becoming a user.

Here we provide our overview of the process — 7 steps to becoming an APS user — plus some tips about badges and training. Official instructions are on the APS pages for new users (see links at right).

  1. Submit an APS User Registration Form for each user. Registration starts that process; because it 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. Once beamtime has been allocated and the beamline staff 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 the beamline and APS safety personnel before you can begin work.
  5. Complete all required training remotely or immediately upon arrival.

    6. 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.

     

  6. When your work is published, send the publication to the APS (apspubs@aps.anl.gov) with a copy to your beamline contact. Include the appropriate beamline and APS acknowledgment statement in your publications.