In the frame of the NEPHEWS twinning programme, Mina Esmailzade Anzabi, a PhD student from the University of Oulu in Finland, visited DESY in Hamburg from 14–22 October 2025.
Mina’s stay at DESY was dedicated to understand how the PETRA III beamline P65 for Applied X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy runs XAFS/EXAFS experiments. During her stay, she observed the ROCK-IT activities at PETRA III, for which beamline P65 was selected as a pilot beamline. ROCK-IT (Remote, Operando Controlled, Knowledge-driven, and IT-based) is a Helmholtz-funded project that aims to develop all necessary tools for the automation and remote access of in-situ and operando experiments to support users of all experience levels.
Mina Esmailzade Anzabi at DESY
While staying at the beamline, she was introduced to the beamline layout, optics, and operating modes across the ~4–44 keV energy range, and observed how in-situ experiments with gas mixing/dosing and temperature control are conducted.
“Seeing P65 in action clarified the entire path from idea to experiment, how to plan XAS edges, prepare samples, choose detection modes, and capture good metadata. Even without running my own samples, I left with a checklist for a strong future proposal, and a concrete view of which sample environments could be adapted for cementitious materials (e.g., controlled CO₂ and humidity for hydration/carbonation studies).”
A highlight of the visit was learning about ROCK-IT’s push toward automation and remote-access experiments, including standardized sample holders, robotic sample handling, and gas-handling setups designed for safe, repeatable in-situ measurements. Understanding these elements will help design efficient mail-in or partially remote campaigns when appropriate.
“The automation mindset is inspiring. For complex materials like hydrotalcite-based binders, which I am working on, being able to run systematic series while tracking conditions and metadata can really accelerate insight.”
Beyond the technical tour, she discussed practicalities with the local team, Dr. Edmund Welter, and Dr. Anuradha Bhogra on proposal timing, sample preparation (pellets/thin layers), safety, and data handling at PETRA III.
“This orientation will directly inform my next steps in planning XAS studies relevant to MgO-based binders and layered double hydroxides.”
Mina is now eager to integrate the knowledge gained during the twinning visit into her research and is considering future projects at PETRA III’s P65 within the ROCK-IT framework.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to observe the ROCK-IT activities at P65, and I’d like to thank Dr. Edmund Welter and Dr. Anuradha Bhogra for their support throughout every step of my stay. I now better understand the potential of synchrotron XAS for cementitious materials and the amazing opportunities that initiatives like the NEPHEWS Twinning Programme can offer.”
Author: DESY