New synchrotron radiation sources and the next-generation light sources

Editorial

The XMaS beamline at ESRF: instrumental developments and high-resolution diffraction studies

The XMaS beamline, located on an ESRF bending magnet, comprises a unique range of instrumentation for the study of magnetic and other materials in bulk, thin film and multilayer form. The instrumental facilities are described and their use illustrated with a range of recent scientific results.

Radical production simulated by photo­irradiation of the diol dehydratase–adeninyl­pentylcobalamin complex

When the diol dehydratase–adeninylpentylcobalamin complex is illuminated with visible light, the homolysis of the Co—C bond of adeninylpentylcobalamin is observed by synchrotron X-ray studies, which mimics the initiation stage of the enzymatic reaction.

Structure determination of two metal-organic complexes from high-resolution synchrotron powder diffraction data

The structures of two metal-organic complexes are presented. Both structures have been determined from high-resolution synchrotron powder diffraction data using grid-search techniques to position an initial model in the asymmetric unit. The Rietveld refinement technique was used to refine the models. Unit cells were determined from Guinier-camera data.

X-ray absorption study of molten yttrium trihalides

The local structure and structural changes in molten YCl₃–LiCl–KCl and molten YBr₃–LiBr systems have been investigated by using a high-temperature extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) technique.

Refraction in general asymmetric X-ray Bragg diffraction

Elaboration of the theory which allows a sagittally focusing monochromator, based on X-ray diffraction–refraction phenomena in the general asymmetric case, to be easily designed. Some important properties of such types of monochromators are deduced.

First observation of meridional focusing of an X-ray beam using diffraction by a crystal with a transverse groove

The possibility of concentrating a synchrotron X-ray beam using diffraction by a single crystal with a properly designed transverse groove on its surface, suggested earlier, has been studied experimentally. The first experimental demonstration of this effect is reported, performed on beamline BM5 at the ESRF.

Sagittal focusing of synchrotron radiation diffracted on the walls of a longitudinal hole drilled into a single-crystal monochromator

Refraction during Bragg diffraction is used for focusing of X-ray synchrotron radiation. A longitudinal hole drilled parallel to the Bragg planes plays the role of an X-ray lens.

On the cumulant analysis of EXAFS in crystalline solids

A critical analysis of the cumulant method clarifies some relevant aspects of the relation between EXAFS parameters and physical properties of crystals.

SPECTRA: a synchrotron radiation calculation code

A synchrotron radiation calculation code called SPECTRA is described. Numerical methods and examples of calculation are presented.

Wayne Hendrickson selected as the 2001 APS Compton Award recipient

Brazil holds the 7th International Conference on Biology and Synchrotron Radiation

SESAME Interim Council meets in Jordan

DIAMOND gets its boss