This two-day workshop is organized within the COMPRES infrastructure development initiative, which is aimed at creating state-of-the-art high-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS) techniques for characterizing the properties of materials under the high-P-T conditions of planetary interiors. In particular, we intend to

• provide a basic introduction of high-resolution IXS to the Earth science community;
• define the state-of-the-art of high-resolution IXS especially at high pressure;
• discuss IXS experiments and theory and their applications to important geophysical problems;
• develop productive collaborations;
• address common experimental issues confronting users.

Two days of scientific presentations include tutorials on IXS, results of IXS experiments under high pressure and high temperature, and theoretical understanding of IXS results. Knowledge of IXS or synchrotron radiation techniques is not required to benefit from participation in this meeting. The program of this workshop is specifically designed for scientists and graduate students in the Earth-science community who have no prior experience with IXS or synchrotron radiation.

The workshop will take place at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, on May 31-June 1, 2008. Accommodations for the participants will be arranged at the Argonne Guest House. Please note that Argonne National Laboratory requires a security check for visitors, which may take up to two months, particularly for citizens of countries that are considered sensitive countries under DOE regulations.