Single molecule diffraction

Phys Rev Lett. 2004 May 14;92(19):198102. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.92.198102. Epub 2004 May 12.

Abstract

For solving the atomic structure of organic molecules such as small proteins which are difficult to crystallize, the use of a jet of doped liquid helium droplets traversing a continuous high energy electron beam is proposed as a means of obtaining electron diffraction patterns (serial crystallography). Organic molecules (such as small proteins) within the droplet (and within a vitreous ice jacket) may be aligned by use of a polarized laser beam. Iterative methods for solving the phase problem are indicated. Comparisons with a related plan for pulsed x-ray diffraction from single proteins in a molecular beam are provided.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electrons*
  • Helium / chemistry
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Powder Diffraction / instrumentation
  • Powder Diffraction / methods*
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Helium