X-ray diffraction from magnetically oriented microcrystal suspensions detected by a shutterless continuous rotation method

Abstract

In this study, the magnetically oriented microcrystal suspension (MOMS) method is combined with the shutterless continuous rotation method. In the MOMS method, the suspension has to be rotated to maintain the three-dimensional orientation of microcrystals. This means that it is compatible with the continuous rotation method, which also utilizes sample rotation. The time constants of the two methods should match to allow their successful combination. The conditions required for the MOMS method for combination with the continuous rotation method are investigated. Experiments are performed with a complementary metal–oxide semiconductor (CMOS) detector and the restriction imposed on the time constant for the MOMS method by the continuous rotation method is examined. The combination of these two methods is a promising approach for realizing the structure analyses of biomolecules from their microcrystalline powders.