RAPID, DIGITAL XRAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHY SYSTEM

在化学和生物化学中，X射线晶体学是测定分子结构的杰出手段。晶体学方法现在用于研究生物大分子、病毒和细胞结构。X射线衍射需要精确测量每个样品的数千到数百万X射线强度，这使得目前可用的仪器既复杂又昂贵。这限制了这种强大的分析技术的实用性。TPL提出了一种新的数字X射线衍射技术，该技术将为高性能、高性价比的X射线衍射系统提供所需的突破。该技术是基于一个非常大的面积，高分辨率，二维，X射线成像阵列。它能够直接探测大面积的X射线，而不需要昂贵的光学或冷却系统。所提出的设备将提供16位的动态范围超过11 × 17英寸的区域，与l27 μ m的分辨率。它将能够进行快速自动分析。TPL具有开发新X射线衍射技术的独特资格，因为TPL及其合作者正在进行的项目为像素阵列技术和X射线衍射系统开发的关键领域提供了所需的基础。X射线衍射在制药、生物技术、医药、化学和地球科学等行业有着重要的市场。拟议的商业应用：提出的数字X射线衍射系统将使高速、高分辨率的晶体学成为可能，其成本仅为目前市场上常规X射线衍射系统的一小部分。晶体学是一种主要的分析技术，在研究和工业中具有巨大的市场。所提出的突破性技术将在现有和新兴市场获得广泛接受。

X-ray crystallography is the preeminent means of molecular structure determination in chemistry and biochemistry. Crystallographic methods are now used to study biological macromolecules, viruses, and cellular structures. X-ray diffraction demands the accurate measurement of from thousands to millions of X-ray intensities per sample, making currently available instrumentation both complex and expensive. This limits the utility of this powerful analytical technique. TPL proposes a new, digital X-ray diffraction technology that will provide the breakthrough needed for a high performance, cost-effective X-ray diffraction system. The technology is based on a very large area, high resolution, two-dimensional, X-ray imaging array. It is capable of direct detection of X-rays over a large area without the need of expensive optics or cooling systems. The proposed device would offer l6-bit dynamic range over areas up to 11 x 17 inches, with l27 mu m resolution. It will be capable of rapid, automated analysis. TPL is uniquely qualified to develop a new X-ray diffraction technology because ongoing programs at TPL and its collaborators provide the needed foundations in the critical areas of pixel array technology and X-ray diffraction system development. X-ray diffraction has major markets in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medicine, chemistry and earth sciences. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The digital X-ray diffraction system proposed will make possible high speed, high resolution crystallography at a fraction of the cost of conventional X-ray diffraction systems now on the market. Crystallography is a major analytical technique with large markets in research and industry. The breakthrough technology proposed would find broad acceptance in both existing and emerging markets.