Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, becomes German reference site for Oxford Diffraction

The Institute of Minerology/Crystallography at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, in Frankfurt am Main, become a Silver reference site for recently launched Xcalibur 3 single crystal X-ray diffractometer.

The Institute of Minerology/Crystallography at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, in Frankfurt am Main, has agreed to become a Silver level reference site for Oxford Diffraction Limited for its recently launched Xcalibur 3 single crystal X-ray diffractometer.

Xcalibur 3 was launched at the American Chemistry Society meeting in New Orleans in March 2003, and represents an important step forward in crystallographic studies of small molecules in mineralogy, chemistry, physics, high pressure, and electron density. The new product is based on the well-proven Xcalibur platform comprising a 4-circle kappa goniometer, and is fitted with the brand new Sapphire 3 high sensitivity CCD detector and Enhance-Mo X-ray source configured for molybdenum wavelengths.

Sapphire 3 has a 65 mm x 65 mm front face which projects via a direct fibre-optic taper onto a large format, high sensitivity CCD chip. The chip is read out by Oxford Diffraction's proprietary low-noise electronics. The result is that Sapphire 3 is four times more sensitive than the established Sapphire 2 CCD detector, with a commensurate 2-fold improvement in the signal/noise. Enhance-Mo is Oxford Diffraction's proprietary high flux X-ray source for molybdenum wavelengths and yields a 2-3 times increase in flux at the sample in a 0.3 - 0.8 mm beam. The combination of Sapphire 3 and Enhance-Mo in Xcalibur 3 creates a system with unbeatable performance for weak scatterers, as well as routine crystals.

The Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität have purchased an Xcalibur 3 diffractometer with an additional point detector and Cryojet low temperature cooler. The Sapphire 3 and point detector are easily and rapidly interchangeable on the Xcalibur platform, which is a central part of Oxford Diffraction's "Mix & Match" philosophy. In "Mix & Match", Oxford Diffraction's detectors and X-ray sources may be interchanged ensuring the maximum flexibility and future-proofing. The Institute of Minerology/Crystallography intend to use Xcalibur 3 for crystal structure determination at ambient and non-ambient conditions as well as for high pressure work employing diamond anvil cells. Prof. Björn Winkler and Dr. Jürgen Schreuer said that the possibility to use both point and area detector, the large variety of software tools and the close co-operation with hard- and software engineers from Oxford Diffraction make the Xcalibur 3 system an excellent choice for non-routine applications.

The Silver level reference site status means that the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität will become the prime site for Oxford Diffraction in Germany to demonstrate the performance of Xcalibur 3. Prospective customers will be able to put Xcalibur 3 through its paces either in Frankfurt or, if they prefer, at one of Oxford Diffraction's in-house facilities or other reference sites in other countries. Dr. Paul Loeffen, Managing Director, said "I am delighted that the Goethe-Universität has selected Oxford Diffraction as its partner for its ongoing research - I look forward to working with the team in Frankfurt to help them obtain the best possible performance in their crystallographic studies."