The New High Magnetic Field Beamline at CHESS

The High Magnetic Field (HMF) Beamline currently under construction at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) will enable x-ray scattering and spectroscopy studies in persistent magnetic fields as high at 20T. The endstation will feature a wide-angle conical superconducting solenoid which allows diffraction experiments at angles as large as 50 degrees. The beamline will be capable of delivering bright x-ray beams with wide tunability for many types of experiments – energy ranges from 2.7 keV to 72 keV will be available, with control of incident beam polarization and bandwidth. Sample temperatures as low 2K will be available for users. In this talk, I will review planned beamline capabilities and go over recent pilot experiments that have been used to validate beamline techniques as well understanding how x-ray equipment (such as detectors) behaves when exposed to magnetic fields. I will show how these experiments have been used to design the beamline to ensure it will operate as intended when it opens up for user operation in January 2026.

This talk will also illustrate how this project engages early career researchers from underrepresented groups in the design and implementation of cutting-edge X-ray and magnet technology, with particular focus on training students from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Pedras to become future technology leaders.