The outstandingly high intensity of the IµS DIAMOND II Ag micro focus sources is currently redefining laboratory-based X-ray crystallography. It is common sense that silver radiation is offering substantial advantages over traditional Molybdenum (Mo) sources. With a shorter wavelength of 0.56 Å, Ag-Kα radiation enables very high-resolution structure determination, deeper sample penetration, and significantly reduced absorption—critical for precision structure determination, especially samples involving heavy elements. With up to twice the intensity of traditional rotating anode systems, the IµS DIAMOND II Ag source significantly broadens the range of samples that can benefit from its capabilities and enables the routine use of Ag radiation in home laboratories. The technology achievement on the source end is matched with the new PHOTON IV HE photon-counting detector. This detector is optimized for hard X-ray radiation and delivers an exceptionally high quantum efficiency close to 100% for Ag radiation.
This source-detector combination guarantees enhanced signal-to-noise ratios, minimized radiation damage and the highest data quality addressing persistent challenges in crystallographic data acquisition, including extinction effects, background scatter, and data completeness in low-symmetry or high-pressure experiments.
A series of case studies will highlight the synergistic benefits of combining high-energy Ag radiation with advanced PHOTON IV HE detection technology. The presentation will include classic examples, such as heavy-element (Pb, Eu, W) complexes and high-pressure crystallography. We will address hot topics in crystallography, such as Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis, diffuse scattering and complete the presentation with examples for accurate absolute structure determination in light-atom compounds. It should be noted that this analysis prior to the introduction of the IµS DIAMOND II has been hindered by the weak anomalous scattering signals produced by Ag radiation. The new technology accelerates data collection, improves structural precision, and opens new avenues for research in quantum chemistry, battery materials, and complex inorganic and even organic systems.