ALS Beamline 11.3.1: X-Ray Diffraction Facility

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Welcome to beamline 11.3.1, an x-ray diffraction facility dedicated to the investigation of the structural properties of materials in the fields of material and environmental sciences. Beamline 11.3.1 is mounted on a regular ALS bending magnet that provides a very intense beam of monochromatic x-rays in the range of 6-17 keV (0.73 - 2 Å).

 This facility provides:

• Small Molecule Diffraction: dedicated to solve the crystal structures of small molecule systems which are usually available as small single crystals. The number of atoms/unit cell is too great for powder techniques and the size of the crystals are too small for laboratory single crystal systems. To date, the smallest crystals probed were as small as 15 x 15 x 15 mm³. Developed in collaboration with UC Berkeley College of Chemistry.

• High Pressure Diffraction: dedicated to 'in situ' studies of structural changes resulting from subjecting samples to extreme temperatures and pressures. The sample is mounted in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) with controlable pressure and temperature. Developed in collaboration with the California High Pressure Science Observatory (Calipso).

• Powder Diffraction: identification of crystalline phases, structure refinement and stress analysis.