Virtual BeamLine (VBL)

VeRSI has built an eResearch demonstrator, the Virtual BeamLine (VBL), at the Australian Synchrotron. It allows researchers using the macromolecular crystallography, micro crystallography and powder diffraction beamlines to see experiments from a location remote to the synchrotron. They can also view instruments and the work areas associated with the beamlines.

In addition, researchers using the VBL can collaborate using an advanced high-quality video-conferencing system and shared applications. They are also able to manipulate samples via motor controls, through a secure, remote desktop and an interface to the controls. And they can acquire data from experiments, which can be transferred to computer resources or storage at the researcher's home institution quickly and securely using the VBL Storage Gateway. The VBL Storage Gateway offers a range of file-transfer protocols, including GridFTP, SRB, iRODS and web-based SSL, all tuned for maximum throughput.

VeRSI has installed an OptIPortal at the synchrotron, allowing researchers to view images captured by the detectors on sixteen 24-inch screens in a 4 x 4 configuration, at 36.8 megapixel resolution. This is high-speed data-image investigation.

The VBL acts as a model for the design and development of VBLs on other experimental beamlines at the Australian Synchrotron, and other synchrotrons around the world.

In addition to the beamline-specific activities, VeRSI is providing an online induction service, allowing visitors to the Australian Synchrotron to undergo safety training before arriving on site, thus reducing delays in getting up and running.

VeRSI has also built a web and mobile phone interface for the Facility Status Monitor developed by the synchrotron's control systems team. Part of the VBL is the Metaman system, which provides access to images collected at the synchrotron. This allows a user to see an image in real time without having to download the file.

The success of the VBL demonstrator has led to its integration into the daily operations of two major beamlines, which are becoming heavily relied upon by hundreds of scientists. The VBL modules are to be added to other existing beamlines as a result of this successful uptake.

The vision for the Australian Synchrotron is further and rapid advancement of remote access across the whole facility, to enable standards of capability at an international level.

 

Aims and objectives

VBL integration:

  • Merge VBL user database with Australian Synchrotron user database.
  • Link synchrotron experiment proposals into the VBL.
  • Link VBL bookings into the synchrotron proposal system.
  • Add non-VBL beamlines into the VBL workflow.
  • Introduce the benefits of a high-res optiportal to the beamlines for improved uptake.

Moving the VBL from a demonstrator to a production system:

  • VBL code refactoring.
  • Increasing the documentation on the VBL code base.
  • Increasing the reliability of core services, e.g.: change-over scripts.

Support for exponential data-generation across the beamlines:

  • Provide beamlines with access to the synchrotron cluster.
  • Help move data from beamlines to the synchrotron cluster.
  • Help beamlines and their users to make use of the synchrotron cluster.

 

In the future

A program of advancing this capability is being drafted to encompass:   

  • Leveraging and sustaining VBL work to move from demonstration to production.
  • Integrating the VBL into working environments across the synchrotron beamlines.
  • Integration with facility infrastructures (networks, storage, HPC, etc).
  • Support for exponential data-generation across the beamlines – data capture, repository, storage, analysis, transfer, visualisation.

The proposed program of work will enable remote access to current beamlines (3+), and potentially to new beamlines (10+), optimally phased over four years and building in remote capability of the new beamlines from the start. This is critical in terms of support (e.g. scheduling, analytical software), as well as for users, and will provide considerable benefits through improvements in efficiencies (time/distance/space), and improved uptake, and support of full experiment and data lifecycle.

 

Outcomes

Contribution to strategic thinking about eResearch in the community

Remote access to most beamlines

  • Having remote access to most beamlines allows users to run experiments without having to be on site, thus enabling researchers to:
  1. Save money on travel.
  2. Run experiments faster.
  3. Generate more data.

Faster MX crystal-solving

  • By using the synchrotron cluster to half-solve crystals, researchers can make better choices as to what crystals to grow. This makes better use of beamtime, and:
  1. Is cheaper and faster.
  2. Provides more metadata.

One user database

  • More efficient for synchrotron staff.
  1. Better for generating reports.

 

Project details

ID number  AS/P/040

Project title  Virtual Beamlines – Service Integration and Extension

Start date  June 2011 End date  June 2012

Lead institute  Australian Synchrotron

Principal investigator  Dr Dean Morris – Head of Operations

Partner PIs and/or participating institutions  Dr David Cookson – Science Management

VeRSI executive sponsor  Dr Ann Borda – VeRSI Executive Director

VeRSI project management  Michael D’Silva – Program Manager and Software Systems Engineer

Chris Myers – Program Director

Brief summary of project  VBL Integration and Extension

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Keywords: Virtual Beamline | Beamlines | VBL | Synchrotron | Crystallography | Diffraction | Optiportal | Metaman | Imaging | Storage gateway | GridFTP | SRB | iRODS | SSL