Abstract: A cold-gas coolant nozzle which limits the amount of turbulence induced in the flow of cold gas due to interaction with ambient air by creating a intermediate temperature buffer zone between the cold gas and the ambient air.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of performing x-ray crystallography on samples by using a robot to select the target sample, to position the sample for x-ray crystallography, and to deposit the sample, all without transferring the sample to another device, such as a goniometer. This method allows high throughput, automated crystallography, thereby providing a high volume of samples to be tested while lessening the need for human intervention.

Abstract: A focusing device for x-radiation is disclosed. The device is fabricated from a block of optical material. The block can be monolithic or formed of multiple pieces joined together. A groove is cut into the monolithic block preferably in the form of a “V” groove. The active surfaces of the groove are finished and coated so that they are optically reflective, or can be coated with material forming a multilayer surface so that they are optically diffractive. The active surfaces thereby form two side-by-side mirrors which are preferably at right angles to one another. Means for deforming the groove are provided. The focal length of x-radiation impinging upon the groove is defines as a function of controlled deformation of the groove.