The Sample Environment and Characterization (SEC) group provides different options to bring liquid samples into the beam. Depending on the experiment requirements and sample demands, we provide standard injection devices or collaborate with users on specialized solutions.
Liquid Sample Delivery
Image of a 2 µm liquid jet produced by a GDVN. The X-ray pulses arrive at a repetition rate of 0.56 MHz and create gaps in the liquid column.
As shown in the expandible list below, SEC offers different types of high-resolution 3d-printed devices. A detailed description of the different devices and liquid sample delivery methods offered by SEC is given by M. Vakili et al. The SEC liquid jet team constantly develops and further improves liquid sample delivery methods. Integration of user-provided sample delivery methods can be supported as well. We're happy to discuss your requirements and ideas with you: SEC@xfel.eu
Liquid Sample Delivery Devices
Gas Dynamic Virtual Nozzles, GDVN
GDVNs use gas focussing to provide fast liquid jets with few-micrometre diameter. SEC offers these devices with different channel orifices (30-100 µm diameter) depending on the sample parameters and jet velocities required. Typical sample flow rates are in the range between 20 and 40 µL/min.
Rayleigh Jet Nozzles
We provide 3d-printed nozzles with 25-200 µm diameter using flow rates between 1 and 30 mL/min.
High Viscosity Extrusion Injectors, HVE
For highly viscous, gel like samples, HVE injectors can be provided. This injector system is composed of a hydraulic cylinder, driven by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) pump, a sample reservoir and a nozzle tip. Jet diameters are in the order of 75-100 µm.
Double Flow Focusing Nozzles, DFFN
DFFN utilizes an inner (sample) stream which is focused by a coaxial, faster-flowing outer liquid (usually ethanol). The sample stream propagates as a thin and very stable jet within the ethanol jet. The ethanol jet itself is then focused by coaxial gas flow (as in the traditional GDVN).
Mixing Injectors
For time-resolved experiments, the nozzles can be combined with mixing devices for fast and controlled diffusion-based mixing.