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The Research School of Chemistry houses five modern single crystal and powder X-ray diffractometers that cater for vastly diverse fields of research. The X-Ray Diffraction Facility is housed in a large purpose-built laboratory and supports chemical and macromolecular crystallography, and material identification and characterisation offering a broad range of capabilities for studying many sample types in a range of sample environments. For further detail see the equipment sections below. Common sample types include, but are not limited to, pure and heterogeneous powders, single crystals of small molecules and macromolecules, solid state materials, polymers, thin films, textured surfaces, fibres, polished prepared mineral specimens, as well as bulk mineral and artefact samples up to 10 kg.

Access costs and user induction processes for ANU users are detailed on the RSC intranet site. External users please make contact to discuss requirements and obtain a quotation.

Reasons to work with us

• World class single crystal and powder diffractometers maintained by a full-time experienced crystallographer.
• Expertise in handling difficult chemical crystallography structures (modulated structures, twinning, extensive disorder).
• Expertise and unique accessories for handling/transfer and mounting of sensitive samples (air/moisture/thermally sensitive samples, rapid solvent loss using purpose designed microscope stage cold mounting devices at temperatures as low as -110 °C).
• Wide capabilities of powder diffraction measurements, from routine bulk powder Bragg-Brentano measurements to high resolution capillary data collection for structure determination, through thin film, textured samples, reflectometry and some small angle scattering measurements, and also bulk mineral and artefact samples up to 10 kg.
• The Facility functions as a portal to access various national and international X-ray and neutron-based research facilities and strengthen beamtime proposals success rates by providing initial powder and single crystal laboratory X-ray source measurements that are often mandatory.
• Access to the MX1/2 crystallography beamlines at the Australian Synchrotron is available with limited lag time via an established Collaborative Access Program project.
• Competitive instrument and analysis costs with flexibility of DIY data collection or fee-for-service full sample analysis and reporting to suit your preferences and experience.