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Department of Physics, University of Warwick

Dr. David Walker
University of Warwick

What was the main problem, or challenge, that you were trying to solve by buying a new diffractometer system?

Our facility was reliant on two instruments, a SuperNova and the 11 year old Gemini R, which has performed excellently, but was becoming increasingly obsolete. The older machine was really only suitable for larger and well-formed crystals; otherwise, the amount of time (days to weeks) required to run on the Gemini became prohibitive. Most users need the capability of a newer, more advanced system which provides better data more rapidly on smaller less perfect crystals.

How has the new instrument from Rigaku Oxford Diffraction changed the workflow in your lab?

The machine is much faster, enabling crystals to be quickly screened to ensure only the best crystals are measured. lt permits small, less perfect crystals to be screened, as well as providing publishable results in a matter of minutes to hours for favourable specimens. Autochem is a real boon, allowing the structure to be easily solved in a couple of minutes at lower resolution.

Can you describe the single most important benefit the XtaLAB Synergy-S system brings to your research?

With recent advances in source intensity and detector sensitivity on laboratory machines it becomes effectively possible to carry out experiments in the lab that could previously only be done at central facilities, e.g. molecular cages or very disordered crystals.

Which other features of the XtaLAB Synergy-S system are important to you?

The CrysAlisPro software, with regular updates, and the support team at Rigaku, who are constantly developing and improving the system. The support for high-pressure cells, both in hardware and software, is also opening up new avenues of research for us.

What would you say to anyone considering making a purchase of a new high-capability diffractometer? Would you recommend the XtaLAB Synergy-S system?

Get a demo if you have never used a system before, you will be impressed! The XtaLAB Synergy-S system is an excellent instrument which will speed up your data collections massively. The Rigaku instruments are incredibly reliable.

Is there anything else that you would like to add about your experience of working with Rigaku Oxford Diffraction?

I would like to reiterate that the support from Rigaku at all stages is excellent and gives us the confidence to continue working with your company.