Macromolecular Crystallography with DECTRIS Hybrid-Pixel Detectors

Fifteen years ago, structural biology met the first PILATUS detector and paved its way to success. Fast data collection, fine phi-slicing, and vastly improved detection of weak and anomalous signals became possible due to a combination of detector's technical features. Absence of detector background, high spatial resolution, a wide dynamic range, and large active area were all packed into reliable and robust detectors.

Back then, it was a revolution; today, it is an evolution. Increased flux at synchrotron sources has enabled serial crystallography, while high-energy beamlines are utilizing hard X-rays to collect more data with less radiation damage. Thanks to the integration of hybrid-pixel detectors, laboratory diffractometers are pushing the limits of what you can achieve with your in-house instrument and what requires synchrotron beamtime.

EIGER2 are the next step in the evolution of HPC detectors: smaller pixels; a shorter readout; a higher count rate, wider dynamic range, and a high quantum efficiency for a wide range of X-ray energies, including hard X-rays.

Improve spot separation and reduce background overlap thanks to smaller pixels.
Perform simultaneous, accurate measurements of very strong and weak intensities thanks to the detectors’ superior dynamic range.
Obtain faster measurements with: simultaneous read/write, a higher frame rate, larger detectors, and a larger region of interest.

Macromolecular Crystallography at Synchrotrons

Ultra-fine phi-slicing; in meso and serial crystallography with shutterless data collection, negligible dead-time or a continuous readout.
Reduce radiation damage by taking high-energy measurements with CdTe-based detectors.
Detectors for 4th-generation synchrotrons offer a high count rate and stable operation.

Most Frequently Used Products at Synchrotrons

EIGER2 X/XE 16M

EIGER2 X/XE 9M

EIGER2 X CdTe 9M

Macromolecular Crystallography with Laboratory Diffractometers

Take advantage of small pixels and direct detection for better spot separation, less background overlap, and better data.
Use ultimate dynamic range and take accurate measurements of strong and weak intensities thanks to true single-photon counting.
Obtain wide angular coverage with large-area detectors.