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this new measurement mode were very successfully demonstrated during the beamline s participation in the cultural heritage BAG proposal (see page 6) (HG172, first experimental session in November 2021).

The nano-imaging beamline ID16A returned to its full cryo-microscopy capabilities with the first onsite EBS users in January 2021. Cryogenic preservation is crucial for applications in the field of cellular biology and connectomics for neurosciences. X-ray investigations are increasingly complemented with cryo correlative light microscopy, and convenient registration between the light and X-ray microscopies has been implemented. Materials science studies (e.g., energy- related materials, thermo- electric materials, additive manufacturing) are conducted at room temperature. They exploit high-resolution X-ray nanoholotomography, and also, increasingly, X-ray fluorescence tomography and X-ray nearfield ptychography. The beamline was very positively reviewed in May 2021. To fully exploit the ESRF-EBS properties, important steps have been taken to improve the detector technology at the beamline. In particular, a new very high-definition (6144 x 6144 pixels) scientific CMOS, purchased in the context of the ERC Brilliance project, has been commissioned for X-ray nanoholotomography. The performance of X-ray fluorescence microscopy has been greatly enhanced by the integration of faster readout electronics and two new detectors: a commercial state-of- the-art 7-element SDD-based detector and a 16-element detector developed in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano.

Multi-modal detection is one of beamline ID16B s main brands. Over the past year, there has been an increased number of experiments requesting the use of two or more techniques, sometimes simultaneously, for a single experiment. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) combined with X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) and/or

X-ray beam-induced current (XBIC) are among the most common multi-modal detection schemes used at ID16B. Another trademark of ID16B is in-situ experiments. Thanks to the increased flux provided by EBS, in-situ nanotomography can now explore faster dynamics that were not possible to reach with the previous source. New (potentiometer) and improved (high-temperature furnace) sample environments offer unique possibilities to the users of ID16B in terms of operando characterisation and temperature range. The implementation of faster readout electronics will enable XRF acquisitions in a few milliseconds, opening the possibility to perform in-situ XRF mapping with unrivalled detection limits. ID16B continues to consolidate its position as a versatile instrument providing nano-2D/3D multi-modal detection for in-situ / operando characterisation.

The refurbishment at ID21 is still in progress. The beamline has been closed for seven months for important infrastructure works in the experimental hutch. The microscope and the Kohzu monochromator have been temporarily dismantled for the installation of a new crane, cables, fluid networks, air conditioning system, false-floor, etc. A new delay-line and new vacuum automate are now in place, making the beamline completely windowless. In parallel, the design of the future X-ray nanoscope is complete and the procurement of the numerous mechanical, electronic, optical and detection elements will soon be finished. The assembly of the nanoscope will begin soon, and its installation and commissioning are scheduled for mid-2022. Complementing and outperforming the present X-ray microscope, which will be retained for macro and micro- analyses, this new state-of-the-art instrument will offer higher lateral resolution and higher flux, from 2 to 11 keV, better XRF detection capacities, higher speed and an improved cryo-stage

T. SCHÜLLI