A System for Integrated Collection and Analysis of Crystallographic Diffraction Data

A set of linked software modules has been installed at the A1 station of CHESS, the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, which, with the underlying hardware, allows crystallographic users of the facility to evaluate crystals, collect diffraction images and process the images rapidly and with assurance of the quality of the resultant data, thereby making most efficient use of their beam time. The system includes a CCD detector and its controlling software, with a graphical user interface, a convenient oscillation camera featuring automated alignment with the X-ray beam, a program for optimizing crystal rotation range, and the HKL data-reduction package. Principles embodied in this system are applicable to other facilities where crystallographic data are routinely collected.