The uses of softer X-rays in structural studies

Using softer X-ray absorption spectroscopy to probe biological systems

The application of softer X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to biological systems is discussed. In addition, the issues of sample preparation, available beamlines, detection devices and other difficulties associated with conducting softer XAS experiments on dilute biological samples are discussed.

X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction at wavelengths near the K-absorption edge of phosphorus

With purple membrane the resonant atomic form factors f′ and f′′ of phosphorus vary by nearly 20 electron units at wavelengths near its K-absorption edge at λ = 5.77 Å. Test experiments on a single crystal of ADP/ATP carrier protein using the same wavelength gave a first low-resolution diffraction pattern.

Softer and soft X-rays in macromolecular crystallography

The utilization and the potential of softer and soft X-rays in macromolecular crystallography as well as the challenges associated with the corresponding diffraction experiments and their possible remedies are reviewed.

The use of softer X-rays in the structure elucidation of microporous materials

The research effort on novel open-pore chemical structures requires site-specific position and occupancy determination of metal atoms. These involve K edges in the softer X-ray range, from 1.5 to 2.5 Å, leading to novel challenges in synchrotron radiation instrumentation and anomalous dispersion methods in single crystal and powder diffraction. For the latter, separating out of the powder pattern peaks, using softer X-rays, opens up application to ab initio structure solution of more complicated and larger structures.

Application notes on the use of softer X-rays for anomalous powder diffraction

The practical aspects of studying powder samples with softer X-rays for indexing or structure solution applications are discussed.

Resonant soft X-ray diffraction – in extremis

Recent advances in the new technique of soft X-ray single-crystal diffraction are described.

Pure-type superconducting permanent-magnet undulator

A novel synchrotron radiation source is proposed that utilizes bulk-type high-temperature superconductors as permanent magnets.

A new X-ray spectrometer with large focusing crystal analyzer

A new Johann spectrometer for high-resolution spectroscopy, which is installed at the wiggler beamline W1 at HASYLAB/DESY, is described. Performance tests and two benchmark experiments (RIXS, XAFS) are presented.

A high-throughput structural biology/proteomics beamline at the SRS on a new multipole wiggler

A new MAD beamline at the SRS (UK) for structural genomics and proteomics has been recently commissioned. The beamline is based on a 20 mm external gap, 2.46 T ten-pole wiggler with highly optimized optics to provide rapid (subsecond) tunability over an edge and the highest intensity radiation over 5 to 13.5 keV. An energy-dispersive high-count-rate fluorescence detector with large active area is also integrated into the crystallographic set-up providing unique capabilities to this MAD station.

Improving the performance of high-resolution X-ray spectrometers with position-sensitive pixel detectors

The cube-size contribution to the resolution function of a diced analyzer crystal has been eliminated by the use of a position-sensitive detector. A resolution of 23 meV at a photon energy of 9.9 keV was achieved with a spectrometer based on a 1 m Rowland circle and a diced Si(555) analyzer crystal at a Bragg angle of 88.5°.

Spherically bent analyzers for resonant inelastic X-ray scattering with intrinsic resolution below 200 meV

The successful fabrication of spherically bent Si analyzer crystals for high-resolution inelastic scattering experiments at transition metal K-edges is reported.

X-ray microdiffraction and conventional diffraction from frozen-hydrated biological specimens

A system for recording micro- and conventional X-ray diffraction patterns from quick-frozen hydrated biological specimens is described. By using this system, diffraction patterns have been obtained from a single sarcomere (volume ∼10 µm³) of an insect flight muscle myofibril.

X-ray diffraction method for the investigation of contacts between solid surfaces

X-ray diffraction effects from crossed cylindrical surfaces are described. The method is useful for studying contacts between surfaces, liquid confinement and coherence of X-ray beams.

On the refinement of time-resolved diffraction data: comparison of the random-distribution and cluster-formation models and analysis of the light-induced increase in the atomic displacement parameters

The random-distribution and cluster-formation models for light-induced changes in crystals lead to very different intensity changes and can be distinguished by analysis of the diffraction response to illumination. The effect of light-induced changes on the atomic displacement parameters is analyzed.

Lowest limit for detection of impurity concentration in semiconductors by fluorescence XAFS: resonant Raman scattering and angle dependence

The lowest limit for detection of the impurity concentration doped in semiconductors in the case of fluorescence XAFS measurements has been investigated as a function of the matrix of the impurity and the geometry of the measurement.

A new cell for the study of in situ chemical reactions using X-ray absorption spectroscopy

A new in situ cell for XAFS measurement in transmission and fluorescence mode is described. As a test case, the oxidation of CO promoted by the Pt/ceria-zirconia catalyst is reported.

A method for normalization of X-ray absorption spectra

An improved normalization algorithm for X-ray absorption spectra is described.

X-ray fluorescence methods for investigations of lipid/protein membrane models

The molecular mechanisms of the protective effect of bisphosphonate drug have been studied by the total reflection X-ray fluorescence method. A molecular film of the membrane enzyme Ca-ATPase deposited on a silicon substrate was used as a model system.

VUV irradiation effects on proteins in high-flux synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy

The effects of very intense synchrotron radiation vacuum ultraviolet light on the circular dichroism spectra and chemical integrity of proteins are discussed. Experiments have been chosen to distinguish between possible degradation and denaturation effects; local heating of the sample resulting in denaturation appears to be the primary factor producing the observed spectral changes.

Overcoming protein denaturation caused by irradiation in a high-flux synchrotron radiation circular dichroism beamline

Methods are described by which the deterioration of the synchrotron radiation circular dichroism signal of proteins in high-flux beamlines can be minimized.

Atomic imaging in EBCO superconductor films by an X-ray holography system using a toroidally bent graphite analyzer

Radiation damage in high-T_c superconductor materials irradiated by high-energy heavy ions has been studied by X-ray fluorescence holography with synchrotron radiation.

High-energy phase-contrast X-ray imaging using a two-crystal X-ray interferometer

The capabilities of a large-area imaging system based on a two-crystal X-ray interferometer have been extended by raising the X-ray energy from 17.7 keV to 35 keV. An interference pattern and example of a high-quality three-dimensional image are given.

ATHENA, ARTEMIS, HEPHAESTUS: data analysis for X-ray absorption spectroscopy using IFEFFIT

A description of a package of graphical data-analysis tools for X-ray absorption spectroscopy is given.

Variable-period undulators as synchrotron radiation sources. Erratum

Erratum to J. Synchrotron Rad. (2003). 10, 205–213.

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