Femtosecond X-ray diffraction from an aerosolized beam of protein nanocrystals

Abstract

High-resolution Bragg diffraction from aerosolized single granulovirus nano-crystals using an X-ray free-electron laser is demonstrated. The outerdimensions of the in-vacuum aerosol injector components are identical toconventional liquid-microjet nozzles used in serial diffraction experiments,which allows the injector to be utilized with standard mountings. As comparedwith liquid-jet injection, the X-ray scattering background is reduced by severalorders of magnitude by the use of helium carrier gas rather than liquid. Suchreduction is required for diffraction measurements of small macromolecularnanocrystals and single particles. High particle speeds are achieved, making theapproach suitable for use at upcoming high-repetition-rate facilities.