High precision components for experiments with X-rays

...enter the suna UniVersEWith UniVersE (Uni-Puck based Versatile research Equipment), suna-precision provides

groundbraking high-end sample preparation, sample exchanging and manipulation

tools for macromolecular crystallography.

Micro-patterned silicon chip for

macromolecular crystallography

Ultra-low background

· Fabricated by micro-lithography from single crystalline silicon

· No background scattering due to single crystalline substrate material

· Bragg reflections from substrate at well defined orientations only

· Very low absorption due to 5-10 µm membrane thickness

· Micro-sieve structure allows efficient removal of excessive mother liquor

For serial crystallography experiments at home sources,synchrotrons and XFELs

· Periodic arrangement of micropores

· Pore sizes selectable between 2 µm and 50 µm

· Easy loading by "micro-sieve"-approach

· Most efficient use of sample material

· Ideally suited for automatic raster scanning

· Compatible with data collection at room and cryogenic temperatures

· Mounted on standard magnetic cap, compatible with crystallography beamlines

20µm

Sample holder for up to 22.500 crystals - patent pending

Sample loading of micro-

patterned silicon chips

A. Themother liquor is pipetted on the chip and fills the microchannels on the front-

side of the chip

B. A small wedge of filter paper touches the lower side of the chip

C. The filter paper soaks off the liquid through the micro channels

D. Crystals with sizes larger than the pores are retained and arrange themselves in a

periodic way according to the pore structure of the chip

E. The filter paper is removed from the lower side of the chip

F. The crystals on the chip are flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen

During the sample loading process, the chip is placed in a continuous stream of air with

a controlled degree of humidity.

Reference: Roedig et al.: A micro-patterned silicon chip as sample holder for

macromolecular crystallography experiments with minimal background scattering,

Scientific Reports (2015) 10451, DOi: 10.1038/srep10451.

Dewar-Plunger DP-1

Easy chip loading and automated plunge-freezing

· Chip loading at adjustable humidity level

· High resolution video microscope for visual inspection

· Programmable logic controller (PLC) with touchscreen for optimal process

performance

· Fully automatic blotting and subsequent plunge-freezing

· Easy release of frozen samples

· Compatible with LN2 and liquid ethane as freezing agents

· Sample loading time < 60 s

· Upgrade option for freeze-trapping of enzyme-reactions in micro-crystals

Fast loading of micro-crystals onto our mico-patterned silicon chips for subsequent

cryogenic data collection

Humidity

chamber

Microscope for

visual inspection

Touchscreen

Dewar

Automatic sample recognition and magnetic force control - patent pending

SMART-Puck

63

33,5

30,3

Ø80

Ø67

Ø10,2

Sample recognition under LN2

· Avoids robot crashes due to mounting of a second sample on an already occupied

sample position

. Detection of incorrectly mounted samples

· Improved overall performance of robotic sample exchange

Magnetic force control

· Control the magnetic force at each sample position by integrated electropermanent

magnets (EPMs)

· Minimize the holding force of indiviual samples to allow for smooth sample gripping

· Load all samples automatically from a Uni-Puck housing on a SMART-Puck by

increasing the magnetic force of the EPMs

electropermanent

magnet (EPM)

Sample

ring magnet

1.

2.

3.

magnetic mounting

tool4.

5.

6.

Mounting samples onto the SMART-Puck

1. Sample changer with magnetic mounting

tool places sample onto the EPM

2. Sample is released from the magnetic

mounting tool and attaches to the EPM

due to the higher magnetic force of the

integrated permanent magnet

3. Sample remains on the SMART-Puck

Unmounting samples from the SMART-Puck

4. Magnetic mounting tool is placed over the sample

5. The sample is released by compensation of the

magnetic force of the permanent magnet by

powering the electromagnet

6. The sample is attached to the magnetic tool and

can be mounted on the goniometer

Detection of up to 4080 samples

· Detection of occupied sample positions by inductivity measurements

. Sample detection with lid of the Dewar closed

· SMART-Puck based on the Uni-Puck standard with 16 sample positions per puck

· SMART-Pucks are placed in the storage Dewar filled with liquid nitrogen

· Every SMART-Puck is equipped with a micro-controller

· Detection of up to 4080 samples by interconnectiong 255 SMART-Pucks

· Communication via RS-485 protocol and magnetic force control requires only 9 wires

between controller unit and SMART-Pucks

Alternative sample loading approach: magnetic force control

Gripper with integrated sample cooling

· Integrated LN2 reservoir provides cryogenic sample cooling by releasing a continuous

stream of cold nitrogen gas

· Prevents ice formation on crytstals in the gripper for > 2 min when the gripper is

moved out of LN2

· Compatible with standard sample changing robots

· Gripping mechanism operated by pressurized air

Sample Gripper SG-1Patented flexure-based sample gripping with integrated cooling

temperature/°C

Temperature profile at the sample position in the gripper

after moving the gripper out of liquid nitrogen

time/min

Novel Gripping mechanism

· Gripping of samples beneath the base

· Form-fitted gripping mechanism reduces the gripping force to a minimum

· Standard gripping head specially designed for SPINE style sample mounts

· Customized gripping heads available

Flexure-based mechanics

· All moving parts based on flexural hinge mechanics

· Flexure-based design guarantees long life time and high reliability

· Ideally suited for cryogenic environments

Minimized heat transfer

· Reduced gripping force allows for long gripping arms to minimize heat transfer into the

dewar

· Carbon fiber gripping arms for minimum thermal conductivity

Custom designs

We offer standard components for a wide range of applications as well as customized

developments for highest precision requirements according to our customers needs.

By using state-of-the-art technologies, we are able to offer precision engineering

solutions for ambient, vacuum, and cryogenic environments.

Repeatability of a suna-precision singleplane flexure stage, parasitic movement

perpendicular to the direction of travel

x-position/µm

deviationto

firstmeasurementin

consecutive

measurements

ofthey-position/nm

Flexure based stages

Ultimate precision for linear and rotationalstages

· Repeatabilities in three dimensions down to the

single digit nanometer range

· Reliable operation in cryogenic and in-vaccum

environments

· Low-fatigue due to elastic deformation

· Lubricant-free concept, ideally suited for in-vaccum

applications

Flexure-based gear designs

· Achieve nm precision with µm movements

· Convert linear to rotational motions

Selected components for highestprecision

· Integrated Piezo LEGS® motor for high

accuracy and long travel ranges

· High resolution incremental encoders for

nanometer resolution

· High performance linear bearings

· Optimized for maximum repeatability in three

dimensions

Roller bearing based stages

Air bearing rotation stages

Highest rotational accuracy

· Radial and axial run out below 20 nm

· High-performance, brushless servo motors in

closed loop operation

· In-vacuum air bearings available

· Built in close collaboration with the German

air bearing manufacturer ess Mikromechanik

Synchronized slipring

· Motorized slipring for minimized tension due to

cable twisting

· Driven by an independent servo-motor and

electronically synchronized to the air bearing

Kirkpatrick-Baez X-ray mirrors

Unique KB-Systems for advanced beam manipulation

· UHV-compatible

· Flexure-based mechanics, ideally suited for in-vacuum applications

· Piezo motor driven to achieve maximum precision

· Customized trapezoidal shaped mirrors for elliptical bending

· Different substrate coatings for a wide energy range

Flexure-based rotation stage for KB-Systems

· Monolithic design

· Operating range 0-10 mrad

· Parasitic movement < 1 µm

· Piezo motor driven

· Angular resolution < 3 nrad

Experimental endstations

Individual developments accordingto our customers needs

· In-vacuum and ex-vacuum setups

· Multi-axis high precision scanning stages

· Cryogenic sample handling

Examples:

· Goniometers for conventional and serial

crystallography experiments

· Ptychography setups

· X-ray microscopes for 2D and 3D

(tomography) in scanning and full-field mode

· Setup for pump-probe X-ray spectroscopy

using a liquid jet

· Robotic sample changers for X-ray

crystallography and X-ray microscopy

suna-precision GmbH

Notkestr. 85 c/o DESY

22607 Hamburg

+49 40 8998 2071

info@suna-precision.com

We combine the expertise of conducting scientific research with

high precision engineering skills and a professional quality-

oriented service. And we share the passion for finding the best

solutions for you in this exciting field!

Please feel free to contact us to obtain more information about

our company and our products. We are looking forward to

support you in your challenging project!

www.suna-precision.com