Specific Synchrotron Radiation Facilities Users Community (SpRUC)

At SPring-8, cutting-edge studies of deep Earth materials are being actively conducted using high-pressure apparatus such as multi-anvil presses and diamond-anvil cells. In addition, significant progress has been made in solar system materials science through analyses of extremely small natural samples?including meteorites, cosmic dust, cometary particles, and regolith returned by sample-return missions such as Hayabusa?as well as through the use of planetary interior data obtained by spacecraft. These studies rely critically on high-sensitivity measurements using synchrotron X ray techniques such as diffraction, imaging, and fluorescence analysis applied to microscopic samples. As such, SPring-8 has become an indispensable research infrastructure for Earth and planetary sciences.
In recent years, further advances have been driven by the application of sophisticated spectroscopic techniques?such as X ray Raman scattering, X ray inelastic scattering, X ray emission spectroscopy, and X ray Mossbauer spectroscopy?under extreme conditions. These developments have opened new avenues for understanding the materials and processes of Earth’s deep interior and the solar system.
In light of these developments, the objectives of this research community are as follows:

1. To share the latest frontiers of synchrotron-based Earth and planetary science and strengthen collaboration within the research community: Current and prospective SPring-8 users will present and discuss recent scientific results, experimental techniques, and analytical methods, thereby promoting interdisciplinary exchange, discussion, and information sharing.
2. To discuss future scientific directions at SPring-8 and NanoTerasu in the context of global trends and to provide strategic recommendations for beamline enhancement: Considering international developments in synchrotron science, the community will identify key scientific themes to be pursued in Earth and planetary sciences and share information on relevant beamline characteristics and instrumentation. In particular, toward the SPring-8-II upgrade, the community will deepen discussions on scientific requirements and technical needs and proactively provide recommendations to the facility.
3. To promote collaborative efforts between users and beamline scientists for improving instrumentation, maintenance, operation, and user accessibility: This includes discussions on new instruments and software implementation, confirmation of maintenance status for user-installed equipment, and the advancement of standardized procedures and remote measurement capabilities. Through close cooperation, the community aims to improve the user environment and broaden the user base.