Neutron Detector for Protein Crystallography

描述(申请人提供)：更好地理解蛋白质的三维结构在治疗疾病和开发新的治疗药物方面具有公认的价值。精确测量氢原子在分子内的位置是描绘这种结构，特别是分子的生物活性的核心。在结晶学技术中，单晶中子衍射(SCD)具有提供这种信息的独特能力。散裂中子源(SNS)是一个重要的国家设施，定于2006年完工，它将使可用中子通量增加至少一个数量级，从而使实际晶体尺寸更小，采集时间显著减少。然而，目前所有中子成像探测器的规格都远远达不到如此密集的设施所要求的规格，危及这一尖端结晶学技术的实现。我们提出了一种利用涂硼吸管的新型位置敏感中子探测器，它可以构成低成本、大面积探测器的基础。第一阶段可行性研究证明，一个基本的2毫米稻草探测器可以满足或超过SNS SCD实验站的所有要求。在第二阶段，将开发一个由200个2毫米单元探测器组成的模块阵列，长度为50厘米。在国家实验室进行测试后，将按照符合可持续发展需要的形式建造一个由11个这样的模块组成、覆盖面积为50x50平方厘米的全尺寸面板。在第三阶段，将从SNS和其他来源寻求资金，以建造和交付所需的20个探测器，以全面装备该实验站，并使其具备在前所未有的生产水平上进行蛋白质结构工作的全部能力。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Improved understanding of the three-dimensional structure of proteins is of well-recognized value in the treatment of disease and in the development of new therapeutic drugs. Precise measurement of hydrogen atom positions within the molecule is central to delineation of such structure and particularly the biological activity of the molecule. Among crystallography techniques, single crystal neutron diffraction (SCD) has the unique ability to provide this information. A major national facility the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is due for completion in 2006 and will increase available neutron flux by at least an order of magnitude, thereby enabling practical small crystal size and markedly decreased acquisition times. However, specifications of all current neutron imaging detectors fall far short of those required at such an intensive facility, jeopardizing the realization of this cutting edge crystallographic technique. We propose a novel position-sensitive neutron detector utilizing boron coated straws that can form the basis of a low-cost, large area detector. Phase I feasibility studies have proven that a basic elemental 2 mm straw detector can meet or exceed all requirements for the SCD experiment station at SNS. In phase II a modular array consisting of 200 elemental 2 mm detectors, 50 cm in length will be developed. Following testing at a national laboratory a full scale panel consisting of 11 of these modules and providing an area coverage of 50 x 50 cm2 will be constructed in a form compatible with the needs of the SCD. In phase III, funding will be sought from SNS and other sources to construct and deliver the 20 detectors required to fully equip this experiment station and bring it to full capability for protein structural work at an unprecedented level of production.