XtaLAB Synergy-DW VHF

The introduction in 2004 of the Oxford Diffraction Gemini diffractometer, with two independent X-ray sources, was a watershed moment in crystallographic instrumentation. The groundbreaking design of the Gemini suddenly gave crystallographers the ability to easily switch between Cu and Mo wavelengths and greatly expanded the experimental flexibility available for analyzing single crystal samples. The XtaLAB Synergy-DW VHF is an evolution of that revolutionary idea which retains the flexibility of the dual wavelength capability but in addition adds the exceptional flux enhancement of a reliable, rotating anode X-ray source. It is the perfect diffractometer for a core facility where protein crystallography and small molecule crystallography are both practiced.

Configuration

The XtaLAB Synergy-DW VHF diffractometer contains a PhotonJet-R X-ray source that is based on the proven, low-maintenance MicroMax-007 HF microfocus rotating anode X-ray generator. The target is constructed with two different X-ray source materials (the following combinations are available: Mo/Cu, Cu/Cr, Cu/Co, Cu/Ag, and Ag/Mo) and is coupled with an auto-switching dual-wavelength optic. Two wavelengths of X-ray radiation are available at the click of a button and switching between wavelengths takes only 5 minutes. Rounding out the XtaLAB Synergy-DW VHF configuration is the fast and efficient four-circle kappa goniometer which is coupled with Rigaku’s Hybrid Photon Counting (HPC) X-ray detector, the HyPix-6000HE (or optionally the curved, large theta coverage detectors, HyPix-Arc 100° or HyPix-Arc 150°.) which has essentially no readout noise, no dark noise and high dynamic range. All of this controlled by the CrysAlis^Pro diffraction software package with sophisticated algorithms to tie the hardware together to minimize the time it takes to measure and solve single crystal X-ray structures.

Proven Reliability

The PhotonJet-R source was designed with reliability in mind. Clever Rigaku engineering makes filament changes easy, like swapping a printer cartridge, with no need to realign the source each time. Scheduled maintenance involves one annual visit from a Rigaku engineer, as with all XtaLAB Synergy diffractometers, and typically takes 1-2 days. With the anode exchange program, you get the benefit of rotating anode power with the convenience of sealed tubes.

Beam Conditioning

Where overlapping peaks are a concern, e.g. large unit cells, proteins, twinned or incommensurate lattices, high beam divergence is undesirable. On PhotonJet sources, a software controlled, motorized variable beam slit is available as an option to alter divergence to adapt the source to your sample’s requirements. For those samples where intensity matters most, the slit can be fully opened giving the highest flux. For those where peak sharpness and overlap are factors, the beam can be limited to a divergence anywhere between 1 to 10 mrad.

CrysAlis^Pro

The XtaLAB Synergy-DW VHF comes complete with CrysAlis^Pro, our user-inspired data collection and data processing software for single crystal analysis. Designed around an easy-to-use graphical user interface, CrysAlisPro can be operated under fully automatic, semi-automatic or manual control. CrysAlis^Pro combines automated crystal screening, the fastest and most accurate strategy software available, concurrent data reduction and automatic small molecule structure solution. CrysAlis^Pro can operate either in a protein or small molecule dedicated workflow. Popular third-party protein data processing packages can easily process diffraction data if desired. Visual feedback is provided for each step with clear, color-coded guidance so that both novices and experts can collect high-quality data in the shortest time possible.

AutoChem

AutoChem is the ultimate productivity tool for small molecule chemists, offering fast, fully automatic structure solution and refinement during data collection. Developed in collaboration with OlexSys Ltd (Durham University, UK), AutoChem works in conjunction with Olex² where more advanced structure solution and refinement functionality exists. AutoChem is seamlessly integrated within CrysAlisPro, and forms an integral part of our ‘What is this?’ feature. The ‘What is this?’ feature gives you structures quickly and ensures you are not wasting time collecting full datasets on known samples or starting materials. It is an alternative pre-experiment option, which is used to plan your full data collections.