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Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS)

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  • Overview
  • Gas Dynamic Virtual Nozzles
  • Rayleigh Jets
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  • Fixed Targets

Fixed Targets

A common way to deliver a sample to an instrument is to hold the sample to the interaction area or have a fixed target. Familiarity with synchrotron mesh loops, pin mounts, and synchrotron goniometers or cryoEM metal grids helps to understand this method.

 

Motors holding a sample in place to the interaction area

 

Pros and Cons of Fixed Targets

ProsConsIdeal For

• Minimal concerns with fluid/slurry properties (no clogging, high viscosity, etc.)

• Compatible with some time-resolved experiments (e.g., pump-probe)

• No wasted samples in between pulses if synchronized and sample locations are known

 

• Difficult to mount sample onto substrate

• Complicated in-vacuum operation 

        • Prohibitive in-vacuum machinery

        • Need to account for vacuum effects on samples awaiting inspection

        • Time-consuming to replace sample-loaded substrates

• Can’t match faster pulse structures

• Need to know sample locations on substrate

• Contribute to background signal from substrate Incompatible with other time-resolved experiments (mixing, complex/multiple pump probes)

• Large samples (>50 μm)

• Low sample quantity

• Experiments that don’t require vacuum conditions

• Delicate samples that can't handle pressures of liquid injection (high solvent, low lattice contacts, 2-D crystal plates)

 

 

LCLS | Biology Linac Coherent Light Source
2575 Sand Hill Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
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