Equipment

The lab is well-resourced with usual equipment and consumables to prepare crystals for X-ray studies.

Microscopy

The Leica MZ7.5 stereomicroscope allows the mounting and manipulation of crystals. The microscope has a magnification range from 6.3x to 50x and a comfortable working distance of up to 81 mm.

An analog video module is connected to a screen, which unites the microscope and the camera into a user-friendly platform for e.g. fast screening of crystallization plates and simultaneous evaluation of crystals by multiple users (Figures 1 and 2).

The second stereomicroscope Leica M205A is a fully automated system with digitally controlled zoom, focus, iris diaphragm, and motorized mechanical stage. The microscope is equipped with two objectives, a 1.6x planapo (zoom 12.5 – 257x) and 0.8x apo (zoom 6.3x – 128x).

The DFC490 CCD-camera is connected with a PC. The software module (Leica Application Suite) allows digital integration of the images from the microscope and camera, and facilitates measurements and documentation of the crystals (Figure 3).

Incubators

Two RUMED cooled incubators (20°C and 5°C) provide suitable conditions for crystal growth and storage of crystallization plates (Figure 4).

Noble gas chamber

A noble gas chamber allows the production of xenon and krypton derivates of crystals.

Short-term storage

For short-term storage, a liquid nitrogen filled CP35-dewar is available for the user. Note that the dewar is available only upon request during the normal beam time usage. Any sample storage requires the authorization of the local contact.

Tools and consumables

Various pipettes, magnetic stirrer, mini table centrifuge, refrigerator and consumables like gloves, tips, and tissues are available to support the user’s performance (Figure 5).