MFX (Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography)

The MFX instrument is the prime endstation at LCLS for multi-modal crystallographic measurements at atmospheric pressure, combining macromolecular X-ray crystallography and X-ray spectroscopy. The MFX instrument uses short XFEL X-ray pulses to limit observed damage to samples during the exposure of radiation-sensitive samples, primarily biological samples, at room temperature. The “diffraction-before-destruction” concept enables accessing high-resolution structural information simultaneously to the electronic structure of metal edges in the hard X-ray regime. Exemplary samples of interest include metal-containing proteins, which are particularly sensitive to radiation damage due to the high absorption of X-rays by the metal atoms.

The strength of the MFX instrument is the ability to perform multi-modal measurements, supplementing the primary measurement technique of macromolecular crystallography. The instrument is able to support a wide range of standardized and unique sample delivery and handling methods , including liquid jets, droplet generators, fixed targets, a rapid scanning goniometer as well as custom user-supplied methods. Specifically, helium atmosphere sample environments with a wide range of environmental controls are available.

The versatile experimental capabilities are enabled by a large area sample table, as well as a floor-mounted detector mover and a ceiling-mounted detector robot and different spectrometer mounts. In order to enable optical-pump / X-ray-probe experiment, the instrument provides both femtosecond as well as nanosecond pump laser systems, both for time-resolved measurements as well as sample characterization.

For more information about the MFX instrument, please read the following article:

R. G. Sierra et al., "The Macromolecular Femtosecond Crystallography Instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source", J. Synchrotron Radiat. 26, 346 (2019) doi: 10.1107/S1600577519001577

MFX Location

The MFX instrument is located in Hutch 4.5 of the Far Experimental Hall (FEH) of LCLS. The hutch is ~10 m long by 5 m wide and located 430 m away from the LCLS source.

See complete instrument map