Second, scientists at the APS can precisely select the energies of their X-ray beams. The ability to choose the energy lets scientists focus their research on specific elements within a sample. Of course, no matter how remarkable the machine, its worth is shown in the research performed on it. At the APS, that research is done by scientists as part of collaborative access teams, or CATs . They design and build their own instrumentation and detection devices housed at research stations located along the X-ray beam's path.
CATs are like small research institutes in their own right.
CAT members conduct their experiments using about 75 percent of the scheduled beamtime. Each CAT focuses its research in specific disciplines, such as materials science, chemistry, physics, biology, X-ray instrumentation, or geological, soil and environmental sciences. The July 2000 CAT signing was attended by Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson. Research is expected to be underway in 2001. HP-CAT comprises the Carnegie Institution of Washington, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.