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Optimization of Crystal Growth for Neutron Macromolecular Crystallography
Published on: March 13, 2021
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Real-time Crystal Growth Visualization and Quantification by Energy-Resolved Neutron Imaging
Anton S Tremsin1, Didier Perrodin2, Adrian S Losko3
1Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
Scientific Reports
|April 21, 2017
Summary
Energy-resolved neutron imaging provides real-time diagnostics for "blind" processes like crystal growth. This method enables in-situ measurements, crucial for optimizing material production and reducing development time.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Engineering
Background:
- Many scientific and industrial processes occur in
- blind
- environments, hindering real-time monitoring.
- Crystal growth, particularly Bridgman-type, requires precise control over parameters for optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate energy-resolved neutron imaging as a real-time diagnostic tool.
- To demonstrate its application in Bridgman-type crystal growth for in-situ measurements.
- To showcase its potential for optimizing material production.
Main Methods:
- Utilized energy-resolved neutron imaging.
- Applied the technique to Bridgman-type crystal growth.
- Monitored interface dynamics, elemental distribution, and structural features.
Main Results:
- Real-time visualization and measurement of the liquid-solid interface during crystal growth.
- Concurrent measurement of elemental distribution with ~100 μm spatial resolution.
- Identification of structural features within the growth volume.
Conclusions:
- Energy-resolved neutron imaging is a powerful tool for real-time diagnostics of "blind" processes.
- The technique significantly aids in optimizing crystal growth parameters and reducing development timelines.
- This method has broad applicability beyond crystal growth.
