Welcome to B21

B21 is a dedicated solution state Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) beam line that can accommodate a wide variety of aqueous-based and some limited organic solvent-based samples. B21 utilises a bending magnet source and delivers ~3 x 10^12 photons/sec directly to the sample.

The photons are distributed over a large 0.8 x 2 mm cross-section which is particularly helpful in minimising radiation damage while enhancing the signal of the particles. Our detector is currently configured to measure a scattering vector (q) range from 0.0032 to 0.38 Å^-1.

 SAXS time is offered through an application process via our users office. 

Our end-station can be configured for full-automation from a 96-well plate, using the BIOSAXS robot (designed by the EMBL in Grenoble). However, we do offer Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) coupled SAXS with either Superdex or Shodex SEC columns controlled by an Agilent HPLC. SAXS samples are measured through a temperature controlled capillary.