Norwegian Centre for X-ray Diffraction, Scattering and Imaging (RECX)
Two of the leading X-ray groups in Norway are working together to form a single national platform for advanced X-ray research. The infrastructure consists of the only X-ray tomograph in the Nordic countries, together with seven state of the art instruments for X-ray diffraction and scattering. This will facilitate research in a variety of disciplines, including chemistry, physics, materials science and nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medicine. The investment will also enable Norwegian researchers to exploit international synchrotron and neutron facilities optimally.
The infrastructure is primarily directed towards basic research, but will also be relevant for industrial research and applied research. The infrastructure is particularly relevant for developing knowledge in several areas that have high research policy priority: energy and environmental technology, nanotechnology, gas conversion, sensors, medical imaging and diagnostics.
There is a clear division between the two nodes at UiO and NTNU, and a clear specialization of instruments and equipment. Overall the project will enhance national expertise. The infrastructure will be available to external users and it is estimated that 200 scientists from other institutions will use the center as early as the first year of operation.
The project also has an important international aspect as a 4 million equipment grant will be used for a Pilatus detector at the Swiss-Norwegian beam line (SNBL) by the large synchrotron facility ESRF in Grenoble, France. This investment will also trigger similar funding on the Swiss side.