"Old Faithful": Single Crystal X-Ray Diffractometer
The CASI Showcase on the third floor of the Science Initiative Building houses Bruker’s D8 VENTURE X-ray diffractometer which delivers unmatched intensity and versatility, embodying capabilities traditionally exclusive to synchrotron radiation. It offers a holistic solution to a wide array of crystallography needs, enabling accurate data collection for both single crystal and powder samples. Integrating the strong intensity duel IµS DIAMOND X-ray sources (Mo and Cu X-ray sources) and PHOTON III detector ensures long-term stability, superior detector sensitivity, and reliable results. This instrument was purchased with funds provided by NIH Wyoming INBRE that is supported by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Grant # 2P20GM103432. User rates are subsidized by the same award. Technique support by Dr. Navamoney Arulsamy from Chemistry.
Instrument Highlights
- Strong Radiation Single-Crystal X-ray Diffractor
Our D8 VENTURE is equipped with a duel IμS DIAMOND X-ray source, switching between Cu and Mo radiation. It delivers an astonishing 6 × 10¹¹ X-rays/mm²s flux density - the highest in the world for a home X-ray source and provides fast analysis capability.
- Large Format, Mixed-mode Detector
PHOTON III, the largest pixel array detector available for home laboratories, is an integral part of the D8 VENTURE. Its vast active area facilitates faster and more efficient data collection, which is particularly critical when working with small, radiation-sensitive samples.
- 100K to room temperature analysis
We are equipped with a Cryostream, which can cool down the sample to 100K during analysis.
- Single Crystal and Powder Analysis
Notably, the D8 VENTURE allows for accurate data collection from both single crystal and powder samples. This capability significantly expands its range of applications, from unambiguously determining complete three-dimensional molecular structures to performing powder diffraction.
- Automated XYZ Goniometer Head (AGH): Motorized Sample Centering
Centering with the Automated Goniometer Head (AGH) is as easy as clicking on the center of the crystal in the video image or letting the system center the sample automatically – fast and reliable.
- Advanced structure analysis software:
Equipped with the APEX4 software, the D8 VENTURE is a comprehensive solution for crystal structure identifications. This software is not only easy to use for novices but also sophisticated enough to meet the demands of seasoned practitioners.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Source | IμS Microfocus Sources: Mo 0.71 Å, Cu 1.54 Å |
| Precision |
Four-circle kappa geometry, high angular precision |
| Detector |
Photon III array Detector |
| Detector distance range |
35 mm to 239 mm |
| Sample temperature |
Cryostream 100K to 400K |
| Software |
APEX4 software for structure identification |
| sample types |
Single Crystal and powder |
| Location |
Science Initiative Building 3010 (CASI ShowCase) |
| Fee |
Listed in Rates |
Research Highlight
Multiple lab groups in the Chemistry department are using the X-ray diffractometer. By examining how X-rays diffract (XRD) through crystals, the diffractometer can determine the molecular structure of compounds with atomic-level precision. This technique is routinely utilized to characterize the structures of catalysts, proteins, and many other solid-state materials. Our Bruker D8 Venture can do both single crystal and powder samples. In the Hoberg group, for example, research on advanced material, Covalent Organic Frameworks (COF), which have molecule-sized pores (sub-nanoscale), are used for size-selective filtration and purification. It is critical to identify the pore size for their novel COF structure, and the Bruker D8 Venture XRD can be used to determine the pore sizes for their powder (flake) samples.
Contact Info & Location
Instrument Manager: Qian Yang, qyang3@uwyo.edu
Instrument Location: Science Initiative Building 3010 (CASI ShowCase)
