DECTRIS CLOUD: Tackling the Challenges Posed by Experimental Synchrotron Data

A 5-minute read

In the rapidly advancing field of synchrotron science, immense volumes of experimental data are holding scientists back from gaining insights. DECTRIS CLOUD aims to transform how scientists handle and analyze such immense amounts of data generated during cutting-edge experiments.

The Advent of Big Data through Advanced Detectors

DECTRIS has been at the forefront of X-ray detector technology for over fifteen years, providing scientists with tools that have significantly enhanced the capabilities of synchrotron beamlines. These advancements bring their own set of challenges. "State-of-the-art detectors have a much higher dynamic range and speed, leading to a large volume of data that needs to be processed and analyzed", says Dr. Clemens Schulze-Briese, Executive Director of Nano Analytics. “This has prompted beamlines to adapt, even building their setups around the capabilities of these advanced detectors”.

"It's a positive challenge because these detectors provide more insights into experiments, particularly into the dynamics of the materials and structures being studied, allowing scientists to advance their fields. However, dealing with the vast amount of data is often overwhelming, particularly when transitioning from raw data to actionable knowledge, creating a challenge for both beamlines and the end users", adds Dr. Stefan Brandstetter, Chief Commercial Officer. 

Introducing DECTRIS CLOUD

To address these challenges, we embarked on a mission to develop a comprehensive solution. Scientists, whether they visit beamlines frequently or rarely, often struggle with the varied environments and the large volumes of data collected during experiments. Our goal is to provide a unified, user-friendly platform that simplifies data handling and analysis.

DECTRIS CLOUD is designed to offer scientists the tools they need to dive deep into analysis of their data once experiments have concluded. This platform extends far beyond immediate data processing, ensuring that users can explore their collected datasets thoroughly, even after they have left the beamline.

Empowering Scientists 

An added advantage of the cloud environment is its ability to lower the entry barriers for first-time users of large-scale facilities, while providing access to the latest computer technologies. This service allows scientists who are not yet X-ray experts to focus on their research questions, without struggling with data and software management. 

Additionally, synchrotrons can concentrate more on supporting users during experiments. This is particularly relevant for complex techniques such as X-ray Diffraction Tomography, which generates large datasets that require specialized software for analysis.

A Global Vision for Collaboration

While DECTRIS CLOUD has just started up, our vision goes beyond data management. "We have heard from the community that there is a need for collaborative tools that enable scientists to deep-dive into the analysis, together with their collaborators around the world. Our cloud initiative aims to meet these needs", says Dr. Max Burian, DECTRIS CLOUD Product Lead.

Our growing team of (currently) ten members is supported by the entire DECTRIS organization, including our branches in the USA and Japan. We aim to create a global service that unites scientists worldwide, fostering collaboration and innovation across the community.

Launching DECTRIS CLOUD at the SRI in Hamburg

We are excited to launch DECTRIS CLOUD this summer at the Synchrotron Radiation Conference (SRI) in Hamburg. This event will offer the scientific community a glimpse into the future of synchrotron research.

Stay tuned for more updates on our landing page, and be the first to know how DECTRIS CLOUD can revolutionize your research! 

Conclusion

DECTRIS CLOUD represents a significant leap forward in the realm of synchrotron science. By tackling the challenges imposed by large data volumes, it will empower scientists with the tools they need to derive meaningful insights from their experiments. 

It aims to make powerful techniques available to many more scientists. With this innovative solution, we are not just addressing current challenges, but also paving the way for new scientific discoveries and advancements.