XtaLAB Synergy-S

Single Or Dual Microfocus X‑ray Diffractometer For All Your Crystallography Needs

A fast and agile single crystal X‑ray diffractometer for small molecule 3D structure analysis

With your success utmost in our minds, we have developed the XtaLAB Synergy-S X-ray diffractometer for single crystal X-ray diffraction. Using a combination of leading-edge components and user-inspired software tied together through a highly parallelized architecture, the XtaLAB Synergy-S produces fast, accurate data in an intelligent fashion.

XtaLAB Synergy-S Overview

The system is based around the PhotonJet-S series of microfocus X-ray sources that optionally incorporate continuously variable divergence slits. These third-generation sources have been designed to maximize X-ray photons at the sample by using a combination of new optics, new longer-life tubes and an improved alignment system. PhotonJet-S sources are available in Cu, Mo or Ag wavelengths in either a single or dual source configuration. The XtaLAB Synergy-S single crystal X-ray diffractometer comes with a kappa goniometer that incorporates fast motor speeds and a unique telescopic two-theta arm to provide total flexibility for your diffraction experiment. The system is also equipped with your choice of HPC hybrid photon counting detectors, the HyPix-6000HE or the large theta coverage detectors: HyPix-Arc 100° or HyPix-Arc 150°.

In some settings, there is a desire to share instrument resources across different research groups.  The XtaLAB Synergy-S in a dual-source configuration is the perfect system to be shared between protein crystallographers and chemical crystallographers: a Mo source will give the chemical crystallographers the wavelength necessary to reduce absorption from heavier elements and a Cu source, with optional continuously variable divergence slits, will give the protein crystallographer the functionality necessary to resolve large unit cells.

HyPix Detectors

Rigaku’s own HyPix family of detectors use solid state pixel array technology to enable direct X-ray photon detection and counting. Direct X-ray photon detection means that X-ray photons are counted instantaneously as they arrive at the detector. There is no conversion to visible light by a scintillator so the energy of the photon can be assessed at moment of detection. This leads to essentially noise free images. The HyPix detectors feature a 100 Hz frame rate which allows for data fine slicing even at the fastest goniometer speeds.  The HyPix detectors incorporate dual counters enabling several modes of operation. Rapid alternating counter electronics (RACE) technology enables the 100 Hz zero dead time mode, ensures that no pixel is blind for more than a few nanoseconds during exposure to X-rays. The high dynamic range mode combines the counters to offer a massive 31-bit counter depth. Dual thresholding offers differential modes and selective signal suppression. 

PhotonJet-S

The XtaLAB Synergy-S is defined by its new PhotonJet-S X-ray source.  The PhotonJet-S sources provide almost double the flux for all three target types (Mo, Cu, Ag) compared to the previous generation. For the best data quality, it is important to ensure any source provides highly reproducible flux frame after frame. As tube temperature changes, so does the X-ray flux reaching your sample. Controlling the temperature of our sources using closed-circuit water cooling offers the best solution for both consistent and high performance and reliability in a completely standalone package. 

Beam Conditioning

Where overlapping peaks are a concern, e.g. large unit cells, proteins, twinned or incommensurate, 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.

CrysAlisPro

The XtaLAB Synergy-S comes complete with CrysAlisPro, 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. CrysAlisPro combines automated crystal screening, the fastest and most accurate strategy software available, concurrent data reduction and automatic small molecule structure solution. 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.

CrysAlisPro can be operated in either a protein or small molecule dedicated workflow.  Popular third-party protein data processing packages can easily process diffraction data if desired.

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.

XtaLAB Synergy-S Features

Fast, accurate data collection
due to high-speed kappa goniometer, high-flux X-ray source, fast, low-noise X-ray detector, and highly optimized instrument control software
Enhanced experimental versatility
when the dual-source option is selected from three possible wavelengths (Mo, Cu, or Ag)
Highest level of user safety
with multiply redundant electromechanical safety circuits built into the ergonomically designed radiation enclosure
Minimize your downtime
by utilizing built-in online diagnostics and troubleshooting to diagnose and fix almost all problems without a site visit
Automatically solve structures
and determine what your sample is in a few seconds before committing to a full dataset by using the “What is this?” feature
Optimize data collection speed
when you select the optional HyPix-Arc 100° or HyPix-Arc 150° curved detectors, which allow theta coverage exceeding the largest detectors while still offering the highest-performing detection technology
Enhance your ability to resolve large unit cells, twins or incommensurate lattices
when you select the optional motorized variable beam slit in order to alter divergence to adapt the source to your sample’s requirements
Improve your ability to investigate small samples
because the solid state pixel array technology of the HyPix X-ray detectors means that X-ray photons are counted instantaneously as they arrive at the detector. There is no conversion to visible light by a scintillator so the energy of the photon can be assessed at moment of detection leading to essentially noise free images. And noise-free images means you can count longer for weakly diffracting crystals without a loss in data quality arising from detector noise

XtaLAB Synergy-S Videos

XtaLAB Synergy-S Specifications

Core attributes Single or dual microfocus sealed tube X-ray source diffractometer with hybrid pixel array detector and kappa goniometer
Detectors HyPix-6000HE or optionally the large theta coverage detectors HyPix-Arc 100° or HyPix-Arc 150°
X-ray source PhotonJet-S X-ray source with new microfocus sealed tube that incorporates a new mirror design and new alignment hardware. Three target types are available (Mo, Cu, Ag)
Goniometer Fast kappa geometry goniometer that allows data collection scan speeds of up to 10°/sec
Accessories Oxford Cryostream 1000, Oxford Cobra, XtaLAB Synergy FLOW robotic system, XtalCheck-S, High Pressure Kit
Computer External PC, MS Windows OS
Core dimensions 1300 (W) x 1875 (H) x 850 (D) mm
Mass 550 kg (core unit)
Power requirements 1Ø, 90-130V 15A or 180-260V 4A

XtaLAB Synergy-S Options

XtaLAB Synergy-S Application Notes

The following application notes are relevant to this product

XtaLAB Synergy-S Resources

Webinars

High-Pressure Crystallography on the Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy-S Diffractometer Watch the Recording
High-throughput Soaking Condition Screening for Crystalline Sponges Watch the Recording
Micro-Powder Batch Screening on a Single-Crystal Diffractometer Watch the Recording
Diffraction Methods for MOF Investigations Watch the Recording
Routine Powder XRD Measurement with the XtaLAB Synergy-S Single Crystal Diffractometer

Watch the Recording

Sample Screening, Strategy Calculation and Data Collection in CrysAlisᴾʳᵒ Watch the Recording

Rigaku Journal articles

adobeDiffractometers for modern X-ray crystallography: The XtaLAB Synergy X-ray diffractometer platform Read the Article
adobeX-ray diffractometer system with single or dual PhotonJet microfocus sources Read the Article
adobeIntroduction to single crystal X-ray analysis VIII. / Key points for investigation and analysis of twins Read the Article
adobeSingle crystal diffraction systems based on hybrid pixel array technology Read the Article

Publications

Visit the Publication Library to access articles relevant to XtaLAB Synergy-S

Forums

XtaLAB Synergy-S Events

Learn more about our products at these events

There are no upcoming events

Testimonials

  • The speed of data collection and ease of use has allowed our users to collect a significant number of large data sets that were not previously possible on older systems.
    Read more
    Daniel Unruh
    Texas Tech University
  • I would strongly recommend the system. It is clearly much more powerful and rapid than our previous system.
    Read more
    Dr. Joseph Wright
    Faculty of Chemistry, University of East Anglia
  • I am impressed with the instrument’s performance, and also the software. Furthermore, in my dealings with Rigaku, I have always been listened to as a customer and have received quick responses.
    Read more
    Dr. Henrik Friis
    Natural History Museum, University Of Oslo
  • The new instrument has revitalized our researchers’ interest in using X-ray crystallography as a real-time tool for their science instead of an afterthought or a special circumstance.
    Read more
    Dr. Samantha N. MacMillan
    X-ray Diffraction Facility at Cornell University
  • There has been good help and advice from personnel from Rigaku Oxford Diffraction and I would definitely recommend this instrument to anyone considering making a purchase of a new diffractometer.
    Read more
    Prof. Christine McKenzie
    University of Southern Denmark
  • I would recommend the XtaLAB Synergy-S system for structural biology labs because it is very useful for checking the diffraction quality of protein crystals and allow to collect high-quality data for “non-problematic”, well-diffracting protein crystals.
    Read more
    Dr. Joanna Loch
    Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University
  • The machine is much faster, enabling crystals to be quickly screened to ensure only the best crystals are measured. lt permits small, less perfect crystals to be screened, as well as providing publishable results in a matter of minutes to hours for favourable specimens.
    Read more
    Dr. David Walker
    University of Warwick
  • The single most important benefit that the instrument brings to the lab is the ability examine very small crystals in a short timeframe, whether that size constraint is forced upon you by the crystal availability, or whether you enforce it in order to isolate a single high-quality fragment from a larger (perhaps multiple) crystal.
    Read more
    Prof. Kenneth Shankland
    Chemical Analysis Facility, University of Reading
  • We get significantly better data with the new instrument. The speed at which we can collect data and solve a structure is impressive. Now, we use fast data collections (minutes long) to work out the connectivity of the compound.
    Read more
    Dr John Bacsa
    Crystallography Lab at Emory University
  • I would recommend the XtaLAB Synergy-S to anyone looking for a ready-to-go system built around the latest technology.
    Read more
    James Walsh
    UMass Amherst

Contact Us

Whether you're interested in getting a quote, want a demo, need technical support, or simply have a question, we're here to help.