Description
The development and application of the free-electron X-ray laser (XFEL) to structure and dynamics in biology since its inception in 2009 are reviewed. The research opportunities which result from the ability to outrun most radiation-damage effects are outlined, and some

The development and application of the free-electron X-ray laser (XFEL) to structure and dynamics in biology since its inception in 2009 are reviewed. The research opportunities which result from the ability to outrun most radiation-damage effects are outlined, and some grand challenges are suggested. By avoiding the need to cool samples to minimize damage, the XFEL has permitted atomic resolution imaging of molecular processes on the 100 fs timescale under near-physiological conditions and in the correct thermal bath in which molecular machines operate. Radiation damage, comparisons of XFEL and synchrotron work, single-particle diffraction, fast solution scattering, pump–probe studies on photosensitive proteins, mix-and-inject experiments, caged molecules, pH jump and other reaction-initiation methods, and the study of molecular machines are all discussed. Sample-delivery methods and data-analysis algorithms for the various modes, from serial femtosecond crystallo­graphy to fast solution scattering, fluctuation X-ray scattering, mixing jet experiments and single-particle diffraction, are also reviewed.
Reuse Permissions
  • Downloads
    PDF (1.8 MB)

    Details

    Title
    • XFELs for structure and dynamics in biology
    Contributors
    Date Created
    2017-05-10
    Resource Type
  • Text
  • Collections this item is in
    Identifier
    • Digital object identifier: 10.1107/S2052252517005760
    • Identifier Type
      International standard serial number
      Identifier Value
      2052-2525
    Note
    • View the article as published at http://journals.iucr.org/m/issues/2017/04/00/hi5644/index.html

    Citation and reuse

    Cite this item

    This is a suggested citation. Consult the appropriate style guide for specific citation guidelines.

    Spence, J. C. (2017). XFELs for structure and dynamics in biology. IUCrJ, 4(4), 322-339. doi:10.1107/s2052252517005760

    Machine-readable links