Getting to know MX
This page for you to get to know the MX1 and MX2 beamlines before you arrive. The Macromolecular (MX1) and Micro-focus (MX2) Crystallography beamlines are multi-purpose X-ray crystallography beamlines, performing protein, chemical and commercial crystallography.
Features of the beamlines include local and remote access, automated scans of metal edges for MAD and excitation scans, autoprocessing, variable temperature data collections and on the fly data quality assessment when collecting a dataset. We also offer a range of in-situ capabilities, including high pressure crystallography, photo-chemistry and variable position crystallography. Sample mounting microscopes and laboratory spaces are available for sample preparation, including cold-mounting and controlled humidity mounting.
See our public webpage for more information.
Before you can use our beamlines you will need to complete an online facility induction and an in-person beamline specific induction, which can be organised for when you arrive for your first beamtime. This induction will have to be refreshed on an ongoing annual basis. Once your beamtime is scheduled, contact the beamline team to organise your induction. It is the responsibility of CAP leaders to ensure all users in their CAPs have up-to-date inductions.
Specifications
| MX1 | MX2 |
|---|---|---|
8-18 keV | 8-18 keV | |
Beamsize at sample position (FWHM HxV) | 120 x 120 µm | 25 x 15 µm |
Minimum recommended crystal size | protein crystals >50µm; chemical crystals as small as 10µm (with strongly scattering elements) | protein crystals >10µm; chemical crystals as small as 5µm (with strongly scattering elements) |
Eiger2X 9M | EigerX 16M | |
Standard data collection time | 36 sec (360° sweep, 3600 frames) | 36 sec (360° sweep, 3600 frames) |
Access | In-person or remote | In-person or remote |
Temperature | 90-400 K | 90-400 K |
Additional features |
Arriving at MX
For information on how to get to the Australian Synchrotron and what to do when you arrive, please see the User Office page. This page also contains information about travel and accommodation support, proposals and other pre-beamtime requirements. After you have arrived and picked up your access card, you will find the MX1 and MX2 beamlines next to each other (see map below). While MX3 is being constructed next door, all access to MX1 is through MX2.
When you arrive at MX, please say hi to our friendly team of beamline scientists. Find out about some of the amazing science done at MX with our Science Highlights or check out our Photo Album. For updates on the progress of our sister beamline, MX3, see their web page.