Biological Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Instrument

BIO-SANS |  CG-3 | HFIR

Loading the Detector Array at BIO-SANS

Mission Statement

Bio-SANS was designed and optimized for analysis of the structure and function of complex biological systems.

Instrument Description

The Bio-SANS instrument is dedicated to structural analysis of complex biological systems. It is part of the Center for Structural Molecular Biology (CSMB) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory along with the Bio-Deuteration Laboratory (BDL). The Bio-SANS instrument, with its dual detector system, offers users a wide dynamic Q-range (~300) in a single exposure. Users can avail a variety of sample environments for static and in-operando measurements of biomacromolecules and biomaterials.

Applications

  1. Biomacromolecules and their assemblies
    • Protein/nucleic acid/lipid complexes
  2. Biomembranes
    • Membrane proteins
    • Liposomes
    • Nanodiscs
  3. Complex Systems
    • In-Cellulo studies
    • Viruses
  4. Biomass & Biofuels
    • Plant cell wall structure & dynamics
  5. Biomimetic/Bioinspired Systems
    • Microemulsions
    • Micellar systems
    • Gels & fibers

Specifications

Wavelength 6 < λ < 25 Å
Wavelength resolution Δλ ⁄ λ = 9 – 45%
Q range 0.0009 – 1 Å-1
Sample-to-detector distance 2.25 – 15.5 m
Detector 2-D linear position-sensitive detector
Detector size Main detector 1 × 1 m²
Wide angle detector 1 x 0.8 m²
Detector resolution Main detector 192 × 256 pixels
​Wide angle detector 160 x 256 pixels
Max count rate 1 MHz