Contact: Andy Freeberg
afreeberg@slac.stanford.edu
650-926-4359
DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

Simultaneous X-ray Diffraction and Spectroscopy

Caption: This artist’s view shows a Photosystem II crystal hit by a femtosecond X-ray pulse. The resulting X-ray diffraction pattern (bottom) is used to map the overall protein structure. The X-ray emission spectrum (top) is simultaneously collected and used to probe the intactness and oxidation state of the crystal's key manganese complex (Mn4Ca). This pioneering experimental technique can be used to further study photosynthesis and other catalytic reactions and is made possible by the unique capabilities of the Linac Coherent Light Source, an X-ray free-electron laser.

Credit: Greg Stewart / SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

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