Diamond Light Source MX Beamlines: An Update

Authors: J. Sandy (Diamond Light Source) , A. Ashton (Diamond Light Source) , J. Brandao-Neto (Diamond Light Source) , R. Flaig (Diamond Light Source) , A. Grant (Diamond Light Source) , M. Latchem (Diamond Light Source) , K. Mcauley (Diamond Light Source) , G. Preece (Diamond Light Source) , T. Sorensen (Diamond Light Source) , D. Waterman (Diamond Light Source) , L. Duke (Diamond Light Source) , G. Evans (Diamond Light Source) , R. Wooliscroft (Diamond Light Source)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Conference Paper
Conference: 24th European Crystallographic Meeting, ECM24, Marrakech, 2007
Peer Reviewed: No

State: Published (Approved)
Published: August 2007

Abstract: The Diamond Light Source, a third generation synchrotron in the UK, is now operational and has had its first users collecting data. We report here a progress update. Diamond is well set up to cater for the macromolecular crystallography (MX) community. There are three beamlines specifically for MX out of seven phase-one beamlines with several other MX beamlines planned for later phases of construction. The three beamlines are essentially designed to be the same although one beamline is set up such that pathogenic samples can be analysed safely. Automation played a strong role in the design criteria so all beamlines are equipped with Rigaku Actor sample-handling robots. Each beamline uses an ADSC Quantum 315R CCD detector, mounted on an A-frame assembly. An on-line viewing system allows users to see their samples as the X-rays will hit them. Each of the three beamlines will be tunable in the range 0.5 to 2.5Å, radiation being provided by in-vacuum undulators allowing MAD and SAD experiments to be carried out with ease. Each experimental beamline has its own 20 TB data storage to cope with the huge amount of data we expect to be produced. Control software has been developed to facilitate data collection and gives users a simple interface with which to carry out their experiments. Work is about to begin on the construction of the first side-station which will be a fixed-wavelength experimental station aimed at the high-throughput users who do not require tunable X-rays. The micro-focus beamline hutches have now been built and installation of services will begin shortly. 2007 will be an exciting time for MX work at Diamond with commissioning coming to an end and users beginning to use the facility routinely.

Journal Keywords: Diamond; Synchrotron; Beamlines

Subject Areas: Engineering


Technical Areas:

Added On: 12/08/2010 08:39

Discipline Tags:

Engineering & Technology

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