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ESAC (EQ-SANS Assisting Chatbot): Application of large language models and retrieval-augmented generation for enhanced user experience at EQ-SANS

Journal Article · · SoftwareX

Neutron scattering experiments have played vital roles in exploring materials properties in the past decades. While user interfaces have been improved over time, neutron scattering experiments still require specific knowledge or training by an expert due to the complexity of such advanced instrumentation and the limited number of experiments each person may perform each year. This paper introduces an innovative chatbot application that leverages Large Language Models(LLM) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technologies to significantly enhance the user experience at the EQ-SANS, a small-angle neutron scattering instrument at the Spallation Neutron Source of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Through a user-centric design approach, the EQ-SANS Assisting Chatbot (ESAC) serves as an interactive reference for users, thereby facilitating the use of the instrument by visiting scientists. By bridging the gap between the users of EQ-SANS and the control systems required to perform their experiments, the ESAC sets a new standard for interactive learning and support for the scientific community using large-scale scientific facilities.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Scientific User Facilities (SUF)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725
OSTI ID:
2575355
Journal Information:
SoftwareX, Journal Name: SoftwareX Vol. 31; ISSN 2352-7110
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (5)

SPICE—Spectrometer and Instrument Control Environment journal November 2006
CAMAC: An International Standard for Measurement and Control journal July 1976
The extended Q -range small-angle neutron scattering diffractometer at the SNS journal July 2010
The suite of small-angle neutron scattering instruments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory journal February 2018
A Unified User-Friendly Instrument Control and Data Acquisition System for the ORNL SANS Instrument Suite journal January 2021

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