Facing the challenge of biosample imaging by FTIR with a synchrotron radiation source

Fourier-transform infrared synchrotron radiation microspectroscopy is a powerful molecular probe of biological samples at cellular resolution (<10 µm). The impact of IR imaging on large tissue area and the complexity of the analysis are discussed, and, in view of the high brilliance of SR sources, a comparison of published microscope images is given.

Temperature gradient analyzers for compact high-resolution X-ray spectrometers

A temperature gradient applied to analyzer crystals allows relaxation of the Roland-circle geometry for meV-resolution spectrometers.

Towards a black-box for biological EXAFS data analysis. II. Automatic BioXAS Refinement and Analysis (ABRA)

The combination of least-squares refinement with advanced criteria judging its quality enables an automated analysis of biological X-ray absorption spectroscopy data.

Diffractive–refractive optics: low-aberration Bragg-case focusing by precise parabolic surfaces

Two asymmetrically cut Si(111) Bragg crystals with a precise parabolic groove were aligned to demonstrate experimentally a low-aberration focus for the first time.

Synergic approach to XAFS analysis for the identification of most probable binding motifs for mononuclear zinc sites in metalloproteins

Through a combined investigation of the near-edge features and the extended region of the XAFS spectrum it is possible to identify most probable binding motifs of unknown mononuclear zinc binding sites in metalloproteins.

Characterization of wax as a potential diffraction intensity standard for macromolecular crystallography beamlines

The use of wax is proposed as an intensity reference for macromolecular crystallography beamlines. Examination of synthetic and natural waxes using diffraction showed beeswax to be suitable for this purpose. Beeswax standards were then prepared, calibrated, their scattering properties characterized and their use on a new macromolecular crystallography beamline demonstrated.

Analysis of tapered front-coupling X-ray waveguides

The propagation of electromagnetic waves through planar tapered X-ray waveguides has been analyzed, comparing experimental results with computer simulations.

Synchrotron-radiation-stimulated etching of polydi­methylsiloxane using XeF₂ as a reaction gas

Synchrotron-radiation-stimulated etching of silicon elastomer polydimethylsiloxane using XeF₂ as an etching gas is demonstrated.

First experiments on the Australian Synchrotron Imaging and Medical beamline, including investigations of the effective source size in respect of X-ray imaging

The results of the first experiments on the Imaging and Medical beamline (IMBL) at the Australian Synchrotron are reported. These include phase-contrast X-ray imaging and tomography, the former providing quantitative values of key instrumental parameters such as source size.

Synchrotron infrared reflectance micro­spectroscopy study of film formation and breakdown on copper

The utility of synchrotron infrared reflectance microspectroscopy in the far- and mid-IR for the determination of the composition of electrogenerated surface films formed during the general and localized corrosion of copper in alkaline and bicarbonate solutions is demonstrated.

Artificial neural networks applied to the analysis of synchrotron nuclear resonant scattering data

The capabilities of artificial neural networks for the automatic and instantaneous analysis of nuclear resonant scattering spectra obtained at a synchrotron source are discussed.

Energy-dispersive X-ray absorption spectroscopy at LNLS: investigation on strongly correlated metal oxides

The energy-dispersive X-ray absorption spectroscopy beamline of the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory has been described and its potentiality as a tool for material science investigation has been demonstrated.

Concept of a spectrometer for resonant inelastic X-ray scattering with parallel detection in incoming and outgoing photon energies

A resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectrometer is proposed which delivers a full two-dimensional map of scattered intensity in one shot of parallel detection in incoming and outgoing photon energies with high resolving power. Its combination with a free-electron laser source enables efficient time-resolved experiments.

The ID23-2 structural biology microfocus beamline at the ESRF

Beamline ID23-2, the first dedicated and highly automated high-throughput monochromatic macromolecular crystallography microfocus beamline, is described.

Development and exploration of a new methodology for the fitting and analysis of XAS data

A methodology to fit near-edge XAS data, with inclusion of the background in the fit model and the use of a Monte Carlo-based search for the starting point, is described.

Diffractive–refractive optics: X-ray splitter

The possibility of splitting a thin (e.g. undulator) X-ray beam based on diffraction–refraction effects is discussed. The beam is diffracted from a crystal whose diffracting surface has the shape of a roof with the ridge lying in the plane of diffraction.

Blueprint XAS: a Matlab-based toolbox for the fitting and analysis of XAS spectra

A new computer program for the fitting and analysis of XAS data is introduced and its main features are briefly described.

X-ray spectroscopic approaches to the investigation and characterization of photochemical processes. Erratum

An error in the paper by Kennepohl et al. [(2009), J. Synchrotron Rad. 16, 484–488] is corrected.

Current events

Notes for authors 2010

Forthcoming meetings and short courses