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X-ray Diffraction

The X-ray Diffraction Core Laboratory provides researchers with access to advanced instrumentation for the structural characterization of crystalline materials. Our facility supports a broad range of research applications through high-quality instrumentation, expert scientific support, and a flexible self-use program that enables trained users to independently collect diffraction data. Whether supporting routine characterization or complex structural investigations, the facility is committed to enabling impactful research across disciplines.

Small Molecule XRD

Provides definitive three-dimensional structures and absolute stereochemistry for organic molecules, organometallics, and advanced materials.

Bruker D8 Venture Diffractometer

Bruker D8 Venture

The Bruker D8 Venture dual-source (Cu/Mo) single-crystal X-ray diffractometer offers a versatile platform for routine and advanced structural characterization.

  • Optimized Radiation: Cu radiation provides enhanced scattering for light-atom structures, while Mo radiation minimizes absorption and improves penetration for heavier, more strongly absorbing crystals.
  • High-Performance Hardware: A Kappa-axis goniometer maximizes reciprocal space coverage and data completeness, while the Photon III detector ensures rapid, low-noise data acquisition for sensitive samples.
  • Cryogenic Capabilities: Integrated with an Oxford Cryostream 800, the system enables precise temperature control down to cryogenic conditions to reduce thermal motion, resolve disorder, and stabilize reactive intermediates.

This instrument is essential for synthetic chemistry applications, providing unambiguous 3D structure determination, stereochemical confirmation, and the characterization of coordination complexes, organometallics, and polymorphs.

Initial training: Achieving the competence necessary to produce publishable results requires a rigorous training process that spans crystal handling, instrument operation, and data processing. To ensure skill retention, this training typically involves multiple supervised sessions compressed into a short, multi-day timeframe. Request training.

Suggested course (for high volume users): CH 795 Special Topics in Chemistry: X-ray crystallography

Facility Service & Instrumentation Rates

The facility operates on an hourly fee-for-service model. Advanced data analysis services for complex datasets are also available at established hourly rates. Rates are tier-based depending on institutional affiliation.

Instrument / ServiceInternal NC State UsersExternal Academic & FederalExternal Industry & Commercial
Bruker D8 Venture Self-use $TBD / hr$TBD / hrInquire
Unit Cell determination$TBD / hr$TBD / hrInquire

*****RATES ARE CURRENTLY UNDERGOING EVALUATION*****

Note: Stated service rates are regularly evaluated and approved by the Office of Facilities and Administrative Analysis. While future rate projections are subject to change, users should anticipate adjustments of 2% to 5% annually for long-term grant planning. External industry clients should submit a consultation request for customized project quotes.

Macromolecular Crystallography

Reveals the three-dimensional atomic architecture of proteins, analysis of which provides critical insights into biological function, enzyme mechanisms, and structure-based drug design.

Rigaku MicroMax-007 Rotating Anode System

Rigaku MicroMax007 X-ray generator with Eiger 4M Detector

The Rigaku MicroMax-007 microfocus rotating anode generator is a high-performance platform optimized for macromolecular crystallography and structural biochemistry.

  • High-Brilliance X-Ray Source: Equipped with VariMax-VHF ArcSec optics, the microfocus rotating anode delivers a stable, high-intensity beam designed to get maximum resolution from small or weakly diffracting crystals.
  • Advanced Shutterless Detection: The Eiger 4M pixel array detector enables rapid, low-noise, and shutterless data collection with an exceptional dynamic range—ideal for radiation-sensitive biological samples.
  • Cryogenic Conformation Preservation: An integrated Oxford Cryosystem maintains precise temperature control (typically at 100 K) to minimize radiation damage and preserve native macromolecular structures.

This system supports rapid atomic-resolution structure determination of proteins, nucleic acids, and large biomolecular complexes, making it an essential pipeline tool for fragment screening, ligand-binding studies, and structure-based drug design.

Initial training: Achieving the competence necessary to produce publishable results requires a rigorous training process that spans crystal handling, instrument operation, and data processing. To ensure skill retention, this training typically involves multiple supervised sessions compressed into a short, multi-day timeframe. Request training.

Facility Service & Instrumentation Rates

The facility operates on an hourly fee-for-service model. Advanced data analysis services for complex datasets are also available at established hourly rates. Rates are tier-based depending on institutional affiliation.

Instrument / ServiceInternal NC State UsersExternal Academic & FederalExternal Industry & Commercial
Rigaku MicroMax-007 Self-use$TBD / hr$TBD / hrInquire
Staff Assistance & Data Analysis$TBD / hr$TBD / hrInquire

*****RATES ARE CURRENTLY UNDERGOING EVALUATION*****

Note: Stated service rates are regularly evaluated and approved by the Office of Facilities and Administrative Analysis. While future rate projections are subject to change, users should anticipate adjustments of 2% to 5% annually for long-term grant planning. External industry clients should submit a consultation request for customized project quotes.

Synchrotron access

High-brilliance synchrotron radiation allows researchers to overcome challenging structural roadblocks and achieve atomic-resolution data for large unit cells and macromolecular complexes.

Hutch interior of SERCAT beam line

Southeast Regional Collaborative Access Team (SERCAT)

Through a strategic partnership with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Macromolecular X-Ray Crystallography Core Facility, researchers have routine access to SER-CAT beamlines at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) for synchrotron data collection.

  • Local Management: Sample submission and experimental coordination are managed directly by METRIC staff to ensure efficient scheduling and data acquisition.
  • Internal Rates: NC State researchers are billed at established UNC-CH user rates for beamline access.
  • Advanced Capabilities: The SER-CAT beamlines provide cutting-edge macromolecular crystallography tools—including MAD/SAD phasing and high-precision microbeams—enabling atomic-resolution structure determination of challenging systems, large macromolecular assemblies, and weakly diffracting crystals.

Rate: Based on hours of beamtime required for data collection. *****RATES ARE CURRENTLY UNDERGOING EVALUATION*****

Collaborative Projects

For complex studies requiring deep technical integration, experimental design support, and custom data interpretation. We encourage investigators to contact us during the grant-writing or experimental design phase.

Paul Swartz selecting a protein crystal using a loop and microscope.

Acknowledging METRIC

To ensure the continued support and visibility of METRIC, please cite the facility in all scholarly outputs—including publications, theses, dissertations, and presentations—that utilize data collected at METRIC facilities.