Principles of monochromatic data collection

Abstract

Optimal strategies for data collection are dependent on a number of factors. The alternative data-collection facilities to which access is potentially available, how long it takes to gain access and the overall time allocated all place restraints on the planning of the experiment. This chapter aims to indicate procedures for optimizing data acquisition. Topics covered include: the components of a monochromatic X-ray experiment; data completeness; X-ray sources; goniostat geometry; the rotation method; crystal-to-detector distance; wavelength; radiation damage; data-collection protocols; low-resolution data; and data quality over the whole resolution range. This chapter is also available as HTML from the International Tables Online site hosted by the IUCr.