Abstract
Automatic loop centring has been developed as part of the automation process in crystallographic data collection at the Swiss Light Source. The procedure described here consists of an optional set-up part, in which the background images are taken, and the actual centring part. The algorithm uses boundary and centre-of-mass detection at two different microscope image magnifications. Micromounts can be handled as well. Centring of the loops can be achieved in 15-26s, depending on their initial position, and as fast as manual centring. The alignment of the sample is carried out by means of a new flexural-hinge-based compact goniometer head. The device features an electromagnet for robotic wet mounting of samples. The circle of confusion was measured to be smaller than 1 µm (r.m.s.); its bidirectional backlash is below 2 µm.
Highlights
The speed of data collection for crystallographic experiments has increased tremendously during recent years
Automatic sample changers are in use to further reduce the time needed for an experiment (Cipriani et al, 2006; Soltis et al, 2008), and an increasing number of facilities offer possibilities for remote data collection (Gonzalez et al, 2008; Gabadinho et al, 2008; Smith et al, 2010)
In this paper we describe a simple procedure that is used at the Swiss Light Source (SLS) beamlines to reduce the time spent for an experiment by assisting in centring of the micromount or loop in which the crystal sample has been mounted
Summary
The speed of data collection for crystallographic experiments has increased tremendously during recent years. Automatic sample changers are in use to further reduce the time needed for an experiment (Cipriani et al, 2006; Soltis et al, 2008), and an increasing number of facilities offer possibilities for remote data collection (Gonzalez et al, 2008; Gabadinho et al, 2008; Smith et al, 2010). All these improvements and advanced levels of automation leave in many cases the precise positioning of the crystal sample as the slowest step of the entire process. We introduce a new goniometer head which meets these demands
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