Beamline Update

Diamond entered 2009 with 13 operational beamlines and is set to see five more come online before the end of the year. The seven Phase I beamlines have now been operational for over two years and are producing fantastic results in the fields of protein crystallography, nanoscience, extreme conditions, materials and spectroscopy.

Phase II update

I22: Non-crystalline diffraction
In operation since summer 2007, I22 has seen many interesting research projects such as studies to understand materials involved in drug delivery, understanding the film coating of polymers for potential photovoltaic cells, and green rust for a greener environment.

B16: Test beamline
First users, from Royal Holloway University of London, were welcomed in January 2008. Since then B16 has proved extremely useful to researchers both in-house and externally, providing a precision facility for testing new developments in X-ray optics and technology.

I11: Powder diffraction
I11 came online one month ahead of schedule in June 2008. From University College London (UCL), its first users were interested in analysing heat-treated nano-ceramics for better automotive catalyst support materials.

I24: Microfocus MX
Diamond’s fourth macromolecular crystallography beamline is well-situated opposite the onsite Membrane Protein Laboratory. Its first users, from the MRC-National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), used I24 to take a closer look at a protein relating to bird flu, as part of their studies into how it can spread to humans.

I19: Small molecule diffraction
Chemists from the University of Bath became the first users on I19 in September 2008, studying the structures of metal organic frameworks for potential applications in the electronics industry.

B23: Circular dichroism
Diamond’s first ultraviolet beamline became operational in October 2008 when researchers from the University of Reading used it to further their studies into the cause of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and CJD.

A further five Phase II beamlines are due to come online this year

I07: Surfaces and interface diffraction (XENA) - I07’s equipment is currently being installed and first users are scheduled for October 2009.

I12: Joint Engineering, Environment and Processing (JEEP) - In-house designed monochromator being installed. Optics hutch commissioning due to commence in April this year after first light achieved. Construction of the external building providing the shell for the I12 long beamline is complete.

I04-1: Monochromatic MX - First light to I04-1’s optics hutch is due in May this year ready for first users in October 2009.

B22: Infrared microscopy - B22’s front end is due to start commissioning in June this year. First users are scheduled for October 2009.

I20: X-ray spectroscopy (LOLA) - I20’s beamline accommodation is about to be completed, the in-house designed monochromator can then be installed. First users are scheduled for December 2009.

The final four Phase II lines are due by 2012:

• B18: Core extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS)
• I10: Advanced Dichroism (BLADE)
• I13L: X-ray imaging and coherence
• I09: Surface and interface structural analysis (SISA)