Process
- Crystals are screened on X-ray machines to determine diffraction limit, mosaicity, and optimization of freezing conditions
- Crystals are characterized, and unit cell dimensions and space group are determined
- Three-dimensional X-ray diffraction data set is collected
- User training is provided for data collection, structure solution and analysis
Instrumentation
Rigaku Microfocus Micromax 007 X-ray generator
The MicroMax 007HF is Rigaku's standard lab rotating anode microfocus source and is the latest generation of the original microfocus rotating anode generator. The MicroMax 007HF is current and reliable and is the one component that has been retained from previous instrumentation.
Upgrades:
Optics: Varimax-VHF Arc)Sec optics – The new Varimax VHF optics reduces the beam size to around 90microns, has a five-fold higher fluence, two times higher divergence and yields a 20% brighter X-ray flux. The finer beam lowers the background scatter improving signal-to-noise ratio. This modification yields much better results during X-ray crystal screening and X-ray data collection of tiny crystals, and does not adversely affect experiments with crystals of larger size.
Goniometer: Universal 4-circle kappa goniometer – The 4-axis Kappa goniometer (omega, kappa, phi and theta axis) for sample orientation with a detector arm is a popular choice for scientists who require the combined flexibility and precision to collect efficient and accurate data. The goniometer incorporates the following features: new motors allowing it to move twice as fast as its predecessor and with very high accuracy, a symmetrical theta range for flexibility in gathering data in reciprocal space, a new beam stop holder design to allow the detector to be positioned nearer to the sample and a telescoping theta arm for long detector distances.
Detector: Rigaku HyPix-Arc 150° - Now with Hybrid photon counting (HPC). The new HPC detectors are shutterless, large area, highly sensitive detectors that enable fast data collection from weakly diffracting crystals, address samples with large unit cells and enable accurate intensity measurement of Friedel pairs (necessary for SAD and chirality experiments).
Cryo-unit: Oxford Cryo-stream - For cooling crystals during data collection. Cools to -180°C.