Below are some of the questions we receive concerning SCS.
How much knowledge do I need to have about diffraction to be able to use the service?
None! We are here to help and explain your result if you need it. The more information you can give us the easier it is for us to help you.
How quickly can SCS get access to beamtime?
SCS have access to regular beamtime, so we can collect data within a reasonable time frame with a few limitations. As SCS is based on the Swedish synchrotron MAX IV we are depending on available user beam and when we can get access to beamtime. Please see Machine status and schedule for more information about user beam availability.
If you need a very quick turn-around time please let us know and we will see what we can do to accommodate your request.
How can I tell if my sample is suitable for single crystal diffraction and SCS?
If you have no in-house instrumentation to test your sample, then we can test your sample for you. Please contact us and we can discuss further.
If your sample do diffract in-house but very weakly. It is highly likely that SCS can help improve your result.
How small can the crystals be?
All beamlines, used by SCS, are optimised to micron sized crystals. With good, well-diffracting crystals we can use smaller crystals, whereas poorly diffracting crystals might need to be larger. We will do our best to get the best possible data from your crystals.
What is the maximum size of the crystals?
There is no limit, though if SCS mount crystals we will likely cut large crystals into a suitable size for the beamline. If cutting is not appropriate for your sample, please let us know when submitting your paperwork.
My sample is sensitive. What type of sensitive samples can you handle?
It all depends on type of sensitivity and how quickly your sample deteriorate. The more we know about your sample the easier it will be to get a result. We need to know if your sample is sensitive to light, air, moisture, temperature (hot or cold), loss of solvent and so on. Our experienced crystallographer will try to mount the sample as quickly as possible to optimise the likely hood for a result. Please contact us if you have any questions or want to discuss options for how to mount your sample.
How long is the turn around time from submitting a sample to I receive my data?
It all depend on when the sample arrive at MAX IV and when SCS can get access to beam time. If the data collection is successful then our goal is to send back information from data collection within two weeks. We will keep users updated about the progress along the way.
Can I mount samples in my own laboratory?
You can mount your own samples and send them to us, but we have had the experience that mounting in oil can damage the crystallinity of the sample. Our recommendations are always to send an extra vial with your sample unmounted.
I need to investigate a phase transition – is this possible using the service?
Our cryostream can be programmed, so it is possible for us to investigate phase transitions between 90 K to 500 K.
Can you determine absolute configuration?
Please be very clear if you need absolute configuration or relative configuration. It is possible that we might need to measure your sample twice on two different beamlines, which means that there can be a delay in getting data back to you.
Why do I need to fill in all the safety information when submitting a sample?
It is important that our staff to know which hazards they are handling when dealing with your sample and we also need to fulfil MAX IV’s demands towards safety. We appreciate for not yet characterised compounds it can be hard to state safety information. You will have to assume safety information based on your experience with the sample and the reactants you have mixed to produce your product.
How much does it cost to use SCS and the service?
Please contact SCS on scs@maxiv.lu.se for more information. We are happy to give you a quick estimate. This can be if you are considering to use the service or if you need to apply for a grant and would like to include this in your grant application. SCS is a non-profit organisation and all payments for the service are first invested in salaries and then SINCRYS instrument upgrades. Our aim is to be self-sustaining through our fees.
What does it mean when I am being told that my sample is amorphous?
Sometimes a sample can look like a nice crystal, but once we get the sample in the X-ray beam there are no diffraction (amorphous) or the sample is a powder. If this is the case we aim to tell you as soon as possible.
I have been told there is a delay with my sample. Why is that?
We aim to keep you as informed as we can while your sample is with us. You will be informed if there are any unexpected delays. Delays can occur during data collection or refinement. Any unexpected delays with the refinement can depend on several factors: Sometimes we need to go back and re-investigate the data to produce a better hkl-file. Other times the crystal structure can contain a lot of disorder and sorting this out can take time.