Apex II Single Crystal

A single-crystal X-ray diffractometer is a metrology instrument that determines crystal structure by measuring how a mounted crystal diffracts X-rays as the sample is oriented through different angles. Single-crystal diffractometers are used in analytical and research workflows to identify unit cells, solve structures, and refine atomic arrangements in crystalline materials.

The Bruker SMART APEX II system has an enclosure around the X-ray beam to prevent exposure. The Bruker SMART APEX II system uses magnetic interlocks, and the lead shutter closes so that no X-ray beam is emitted when the interlocks are not engaged. The Bruker SMART APEX II system uses a detector that is turned on separately, and the operating workflow includes starting BIS, launching APEX2, connecting to the instrument, centering a crystal on the goniometer, collecting a still image, and then running unit-cell determination. The Smart Apex machine uses the KRYOFLEX program to control the cooling unit, and the sample is embedded in a stream of cold nitrogen gas supplied by a low-pressure liquid-nitrogen dewar.^[4]

Single-crystal X-ray diffractometers sit in characterization workflows rather than in production wafer patterning or film deposition steps. Single-crystal X-ray diffractometers are typically used after crystal growth, sample isolation, or specimen preparation, and their outputs feed structural interpretation, reporting, and correlation with synthesis or process conditions.

The Bruker APEX II diffractometer is used for routine structure determination and for high-accuracy data collection, including absolute-configuration study of light-atom compounds. The Bruker APEX II diffractometer can resolve the structure of extremely small crystals because of a very powerful source. The Bruker APEX II diffractometer can also be used to obtain powder patterns of samples sealed in capillaries. The Bruker APEX II diffractometer can perform data collection over a temperature range of 80 K to 320 K.^[2]