Macromolecular Crystallography

Flux at the sample is maximized when the first and second crystals of the monochromator are parallel. To achieve this, we run a sequence called Optimize Beam from Hutch Tab → Automation → Optimize Beam. The sequence works as follows:

1. The sample is moved out of the beam
2. The shutter opens and the scan begins
   • Tune Optimize plots the beam intensity vs. the second-crystal position
3. The scan completes and the shutter closes
4. The sample is returned to the original position
5. The tune motors are moved to maximum flux
6. If Tune Optimize doesn’t show a peak, click Optimize Beam again

Figure 2.15: Tune Optimize