CMOS - Shutterless Operation Boosts Speed and Quality

CMOS technology based X-ray detectors offer numerous advantages compared to traditionally used CCD detectors: · CMOS sensors are available in larger sizes with a pixel size optimized for X-ray scattering and X-ray diffraction. · CMOS sensors have lower power consumption than CCDs and provide excellent signal-to-noise ratios even when only moderately cooled. This allows the design of air-cooled detectors. Both, low power consumption and no need for cooling-water, lead to minimized pre-installation requirements. · While CCDs use a bucket brigade read-out, CMOS technology does allow continuous direct sensor read-out. These features make modern CMOS based X-ray detectors, such as the PHOTON 100, an excellent solution for single crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) experiments. In particular, the capability to continually read out pixels provides a new approach for data collection. While CCDs require closing the shutter for each read-out step, introducing system overhead, CMOS based detectors can be operated in shutterless mode, which not only eliminates over-head time but it also reduces mechanical jitter. We will present details on the implementation of shutterless readout in the current state-of-the-art SC-XRD instrumentation, the D8 QUEST and D8 VENTURE systems. Furthermore, the impact of shutterless read-out on data quality and data collection speed will be discussed using examples from chemical crystallography and structural biology.

Bruker proudly contributes to IYCR

Bruker congratulates the IUCR to the proclamation of the International Year of Crystallography (IYCR). As one of the world's leading analytical instrumentation companies, Bruker enthusiastically supports the IYCr activities to increase public awareness of the science of crystallography with a variety of activity. In addition to a direct donation to the IUCR our customers participate in the IYCR's Openlab initiative with state-of-the-art instrument in Pakistan, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. During the entire year Bruker supports meetings and conferences and organizes workshops and user meetings to inspire new blood as well as old hands. In countries with a small base of installed instruments Bruker contributes to the OpenLab initiative loaning a complete for the entire year 2014. Education and research at sites in Ivory Coast, South Africa, Morocco, Indonesia & Brazil benefit from this single crystal X-ray diffraction solution. The system is covered by a free-of-charge service contract and warranty. Personnel from each site receive training prior to the arrival of the instrument and get unlimited support by Bruker's service desk. Bruker is happy to contribute with knowledge, instrumentation and sponsorship to the success of the IYCr all over the planet. We are convinced that the combined efforts of the global crystallographic community demonstrate the importance of crystallography in most technological developments and increase interest in this interdisciplinary method. The talk will provide an summary on the events held, the impact achieved and provide an outlook on activities planned for the remaining IYCR.