Application of Fixed-Target Microcrystal Delivery Systems for Serial Femtosecond Crystallography at PAL-XFEL

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Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) using X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) enables the determination of biological and chemical structures without radiation damage. In SFX experiments, a sample delivery system is essential for delivering numerous crystals to the X-ray interaction point in a serial and stable manner. Among the various sample delivery methods, the fixed-target (FT) sample delivery system is straightforward and widely used for collecting SFX data due to its advantages of low sample consumption and reduced physical damage to crystals during data collection. Here, we review the development of the FT sample delivery system for SFX with the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory X-ray free-electron laser (PAL-XFEL). The specifications and operational conditions of the FT-SFX sample chamber are described. The design, specifications, and applications of the one- and two-dimensional FT sample holders developed for SFX with the PAL-XFEL are also detailed. Furthermore, the applications of each FT sample delivery system are discussed. This review not only provides valuable information on the FT system used in SFX experiments with the PAL-XFEL but also offers insights into the development of FT sample delivery systems.