Enabling the DOE's Integrated Research Infrastructure (IRI)

Welcome to our 7-part blog series on how Globus enables the DOE’s Integrated Research Infrastructure (IRI). In today’s data-intensive scientific landscape, the ability to connect and utilize computing resources across facilities is more crucial than ever. Globus is at the forefront of this integration, enabling researchers to harness the full potential of High-Performance Computing (HPC) and scientific instruments across diverse locations.

Over the course of this series we will delve into six examples of how Globus is revolutionizing scientific workflows—from accelerating data transfer between facilities to autonomously integrating cutting-edge instruments with large compute resources, these use cases highlight the versatility and efficiency of Globus in facilitating cross-facility collaboration.

Join us as we explore how Globus empowers researchers to break down barriers, streamline processes, and drive innovation across a wide array of scientific domains. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or new to the world of integrated research infrastructure, this series will provide valuable insights into the future of collaborative science. Stay tuned for an exciting journey into the heart of modern scientific discovery!

A Universal Tomography Reconstruction Workflow: Unlocking 3D Insights

In the realm of scientific research, efficiency and flexibility are paramount, especially when dealing with complex data such as tomography scans. Tomography is a powerful imaging technique used to create detailed, three-dimensional images of an object’s internal structure. Synchrotrons, large particle accelerators, can produce high-intensity beams of X-rays that are used in tomography experiments to study a wide range of materials and processes. With synchrotron tomography, scientists can study things like the distribution of fine particles within a material, the structure of biological tissues and cells, and the flow of fluids through porous media. Researchers in fields like materials science, geology, biology, and engineering use synchrotron tomography to better understand the behavior and properties of their subjects, which can lead to new insights and applications.

At the forefront of this innovation is a single, reusable analysis workflow designed to reconstruct tomography data from premier synchrotron light sources like the Advanced Photon Source (APS) and the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS2). This workflow is not tethered to a single location; instead, it offers researchers the freedom to utilize computational resources wherever they are available, be it at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF), the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), or the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF). This adaptability ensures that the vast amounts of data generated can be processed efficiently, without the bottleneck of limited local resources.

A Seamless Data Processing Pipeline with Globus Flows

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a seamless data processing pipeline using Globus Flows. The flow allows beamline scientists to select their preferred analysis site at the start of the process, and the workflow automatically configures the necessary Transfer and Compute endpoints to facilitate data movement and processing. Once the reconstruction is complete, the results are sent back to the originating beamline, ready for further analysis. This streamlined approach not only accelerates the pace of scientific discovery but also democratizes access to high-performance computing resources, empowering researchers to focus on their groundbreaking work rather than the logistics of data management.