Technological Advances in Small Angle X-Ray Scattering by Hecus

Topics Covered

Introduction
Most Burning Questions in Nano-Structural Chemistry and Biology
Challenges of Small Angle X-Ray Scattering in the Past
Advancement Dramatically Increases Use of Small Angle X-Ray Scattering

Introduction

Hecus X-Ray Systems, founded in 1992, is traditionally specialized on innovative system solutions for X-Ray nanostructure analytics. The strong focus on small-angle X-ray methods - the Otto-Kratky heritage - serves a wide community of researchers and engineers, who need SAXS and related techniques as practical and reliable tools in their challenging laboratory practice, and who want to use the techniques routinely.

Most Burning Questions in Nano-Structural Chemistry and Biology

The paradigm of material science in the 20th century was that X-ray crystallography provides the ultimate answer for structure. Today, the most burning questions in nano-structural chemistry and biology are focussed on the non-crystalline, 'amorphous' state and its structure-function relationships in:

  • Supramolecular cell biology
  • Nanomaterials
  • Hetero-phase systems at equilibrium and far from it
  • Structure and reactions at surfaces

These and many more phenomena are accessible by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), as virtually any form and shape, and their transformation, gives a SAXS signal.

Challenges of Small Angle X-Ray Scattering in the Past

In the past, two main factors have been responsible for the reluctance to exploit this potential: Firstly, the lack of brilliant laboratory X-ray sources and cameras. This was only remedied by synchrotron radiation facilities, which have, however the disadvantage of being far away from everydays laboratory practice. Secondly, the lack of robust and widely applicable routines for the interpretation of SAXS data.

Advancement Dramatically Increases Use of Small Angle X-Ray Scattering

Recent advances both in SAXS technology: extremely brilliant and compact laboratory SAXS systems, detectors and fast data processing, and the combination with complementary methods, such as calorimetry, pressure scanning, in- situ reaction monitoring, highthroughput screening, have provided the basis for a dramatically increased use of SAXS. In addition to becoming a routine tool in laboratory analytics, this will also improve the intelligent use of synchrotron facilities for truly cutting-edge investigations.

Source: Hecus X-Ray Systems

For more information on this source please visit Hecus X-Ray Systems.

Date Added: Nov 17, 2010
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