Mogno is the beamline at Sirius dedicated to obtaining tomographic images with resolution that varies from the micro to nanometric scales. 

The Mogno beamline uses high-brilliance X-rays at 22, 39, and 67 keV produced by the particle accelerators at Sirius and offers real-time and non-invasive characterization of the internal structures of materials at different spatial scales. 

The scientific commissioning phase officially began at Mogno in February 2023 with the arrival of Professor Tiina Roose and her team from the University of Southhampton. 

The measurements taken by the scientists using this beamline are part of a study to better understand the disease known as bacterial leaf scorch, in which Xylella fastidiosa bacteria colonizes the xylem of citrus trees. These vessels that transport water and nutrients from the roots upward become clogged, sickening the trees, which produce significantly smaller and poorer quality fruit. 

This disease emerged in South America in the 1980s and was brought to Europe, where it has spread and severely impacts olive plantations. 

Tomography images obtained using the Mogno beamline will help the researchers understand how the internal structure of the xylem in different resistant or susceptible species affects the propagation of this disease, providing essential information to develop a solution. 

The Mogno beamline is ideal for studying three-dimensional phenomena. Besides analyzing various materials on scales varying from hundredths of nanometers to tens of micrometers, this equipment also allows users to subject samples to different mechanical, thermic, or chemical conditions and monitor changes throughout the process. 

The measurements taken in February are landmarks for the beamline. The scientific commissioning phase is yet another of the many steps required before it can be opened to scientific proposals from scientists around the world, helping to advance various areas of science.