New Developments
- We recently developed a fiber diffraction setup which has ~23cm sample-to-detector distance for high angle diffraction studies. It has been successfully used for fiber diffraction studies in FY2006 run.
- An in-line sample alignment microscope has been developed, and used for fiber diffraction. It can be mounted immediately upstream of the specimen position and provides a live sample viewing for alignment at all times .
- We have developed and implemented a new transmissive beam intensity monitor combining an avalanche photodiode detector and a thin Kapton foil. It has reduced background level substantially, compared to the level observed for the miniature ion chamber, and is now in routine use. We are developing a more compact version with higher signal levels for improved data statistics in intensity measurements.
- We acquired an Eppendorf table top centrifuge and vortex mixer for sample preparation.
- Blu-ICE has had several new and improved features, including USAXS scans and control of Hamilton sample dispenser (syringe pump).
- MarParse has been upgraded for processing time-resolved data recorded by the image-intensified CCD detector, It can also evaluate detector baseline within masked areas within a 2D image. It can use a mask file generated by Fit2D for radial averaging.
- We are developing a new flow cell based on a revised design for improved performance. Also under development are: automated flow-cell operation and sample delivery via Blu-ICE; incorporation of light scattering and UV spectrophotometer inline with the flow cell for simultaneous data collection with x-ray scattering; a humidity chamber for lipid/fiber studies.
- BL4 stations are scheduled to undergo a complete rebuild of beam line optics this coming summer. Our plan is to start the installation of optic components and experimental hutches this spring. As soon as the FY07 user runs ends in August, we will relocate the BL4-2 Bio-SAXS/D instrument to the new BL4-2 hutch on Sector 16 next to BL11 stations. The BL4 wiggler will also be relocated during the summer shutdown. Our new experimental hutch will be slightly longer in the beam direction to have a longer maximum sample-to-detector distance. We plan on developing many other optimized features upon the acquisition of practically a new station. We will use the entire summer shutdown to re-build and optimize the instrument in the new hutch, and start commissioning the entire system when FY08 run begins in October 2007.
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