BL35XU of SPring-8 is dedicated to the investigation of sample dynamics on
similar to meV energy scales using inelastic X-ray scattering and nuclear r
esonant scattering of synchrotron radiation. The beamline saw first light i
n February 2000. We briefly describe the beamline design and status. We inc
lude results from the early commissioning period, and from our program of i
nstrumentation development, including backscattering monochromators and ana
lyzer crystals. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.