SSRL

The SSRL Structural Molecular Biology group operates 6 crystallography beam lines on the SPEAR3 storage ring, BL7-1, BL9-1, BL9-2, BL11-1, BL12-2 and BL14-1. All of the beam lines are MAD-capable, with three of the stations (BL7-1, BL9-1 and BL11-1) using a single-crystal side-scattering monochromator with a limited energy range (typically 3000-4000 eV) and the other three using liquid nitrogen-cooled double crystal monochromators giving a much wider energy range capability (over 10000 eV). All of the beam lines are fully automated, with samples being mounted using the Stanford Automated Mounting system (SAM) and controlled with the Blu-Ice/DCS software system. Images collected during sample screening are automatically analyzed and the results, including the number of spots, Bravis lattice, unit cell, estimated mosaicity and resolution, are visible almost immediately through Blu-Ice, and also via the internet through Web-Ice. Users of the SSRL beam lines have the option to conduct experiments in a fully remote manner, connecting to the beam line computers via the internet through a highly responsive client. In 2013 over 95% of the experiments were conducted remotely. The ultimate goal of synchrotron data collection is to get the best possible data from the best available crystals, and the combination of high-throughput automation and remote access at SSRL has revolutionized the way in which scientists interact with synchrotron beam lines achieve this goal.