Encapsulation and diffraction-pattern-correction methods to reduce the effect of damage in x-ray diffraction imaging of single biological molecules.
Short and intense x-ray pulses may be used for atomic-resolution diffraction imaging of single biological molecules. Radiation damage and a low signal-to-noise ratio impose stringent pulse requirements. In this Letter, we describe methods for decreasing the damage and improving the signal by encapsulating the molecule in a sacrificial layer (tamper) that reduces atomic motion and by postprocessing the pulse-averaged diffraction pattern to correct for ionization damage. Simulations show that these methods greatly improve the image quality.
Hau-Riege
Stefan P
SP
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551, USA. hauriege1@linl.gov
London
Richard A
RA
Chapman
Henry N
HN
Szoke
Abraham
A
Timneanu
Nicusor
N
D001703:Biophysics / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D011506:Proteins; D004247:DNA