Unattended Data Collections

Unattended Data Collection (UDC) is a new mode of operation for the MX beamlines and can be used for fast and efficient data collection from 'reasonable-quality' macromolecular crystals whilst you do something more productive with your time. X-ray centring is used to align crystals to the X-ray beam and then data collections are performed based on user-provided diffraction plans.

1. Ensure all samples have been approved in the proposal risk assessment in UAS.
2. Decide on the method of screening samples.
3. Decide which experiment kind is required.
4. Create a shipment, enter sample information and diffraction plan in ISPyB.
   • Shelved puck containers are manadatory for Unattended data collection.
5. Ship samples to Diamond.
6. Once samples arrive, they will be given time on a beamline. The beamtime does not need to be scheduled in advance.
7. Data are collected, and you will receive an email to say that the data collections have been completed.
8. Request your samples are shipped back.

It is currently available on I03 and I04 is a key part of providing responsive beamtime allocation.

It will be made available on I04-1 and I24 following further development and testing.

Further options for more complex experiments and broadening the scope of samples that can be collected automatically will be made available.