For New Users: How to Become an APS User

Before you begin, please review the information for Prospective Users and communicate with local beamline staff to determine how the APS can best serve your research needs. If you need assistance in finding the right person to talk to, please contact the User Office at 630-252-9090 or apsuser@aps.anl.gov.

For more detailed instructions, visit Become a User. If you are an experienced user, you may go directly to Apply for Beam Time.

1. Register with the APS User Office and receive approval to enter Argonne. (For non-U.S. citizens, special requirements apply and extra time is needed). Upon registration you will be given an APS badge number, which you will need in step 2.
2. Apply for beam time.
3. Establish a legal agreement between the sponsoring institution and Argonne National Laboratory to cover the research.
4. Establish a user account to pay for supplies and services, or proprietary beam time (if necessary.)
5. Arrange for delivery of samples/materials prior to your arrival.
6. Complete required safety documentation for your experiment, in advance.
7. Complete all required training. Once training is complete, you will receive a badge, which will allow you to enter Argonne at any time.

Additional steps may be required if you will access the APS through a Collaborative Access Team (CAT) or Partner User group. If so, contact that organization for additional information specific to its facilities.