# X-ray Scattering Technology Core

> **NIH NIH P30** · BROOKHAVEN SCIENCE ASSOC-BROOKHAVEN LAB · 2024 · $325,713

## Abstract

Abstract – X-ray Scattering Technology Core 
The X-ray Scattering Technology Core will provide user access to the Life Science X-ray Scattering (LiX) 
beamline. During the current funding period we have refined the scientific focus of the LiX beamline, 
concentrating on supporting solution scattering from biological macromolecules in solution and scanning 
imaging of biological tissues, while improving our technical capabilities in these two areas. The need to support 
mail-in measurements during the COVID pandemic required us to provide reliable automation for data 
collection and processing, which we have achieved. To accommodate the influx of users due to the Advanced 
Photon Source (APS) upgrade, we have redesigned our solution scattering sample handler to support 
measurement based on both flow cells and fixed cells, and to gain more usable beam time by minimizing the 
need to reconfigure the experimental setup. 
At the same time, under the Department of Energy (DOE) Biological and Environmental Research (BER) support 
parallel to this P30 grant, we have developed scanning structural mapping and tomographical imaging using 
scattering contrast. We also developed python software that enabled automation in data processing, and GUIs 
for data visualization. Under a BNL internal Laboratory Director’s Research and Development (LDRD) grant, we 
also explored integrative data analysis. These new capabilities will be rolled out to our users for routine use in 
the upcoming funding period. 
In this renewal, we will continue to provide reliable access to these capabilities and progressively improve the 
underlying technical tools and instrument usability. To support solution scattering, we will optimize data 
collection triggering, enhance the integration of the HPLC system into our data collection workflow, and adopt a 
co-flow device for in-line liquid chromatography measurements. To support scanning structural mapping, we 
will implement fly scans for in-vacuum measurements on thin tissue sections. In addition, we will work on 
providing more software tools to help users evaluate data quality and perform data processing and analysis. We 
will make these tools readily accessible via the centralized computing resources supported by the National 
Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II), and will provide training opportunities. We will continue to perform 
routine maintenance and implement new software tools to improve beam stability and to manage experimental 
configuration changes. We also plan to upgrade our scattering detectors to ensure uninterrupted operation of 
the beamline, and to install fluorescence detectors to enable simultaneous data collection for elemental mapping.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10946991
- **Project number:** 2P30GM133893-06
- **Recipient organization:** BROOKHAVEN SCIENCE ASSOC-BROOKHAVEN LAB
- **Principal Investigator:** Lin Yang
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $325,713
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10946991

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10946991, X-ray Scattering Technology Core (2P30GM133893-06). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10946991. Licensed CC0.

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