IMAGE PLATE DETECTORS FOR MACROMOLECULAR NEUTRON DIFFRACTOMETRY

Neutron diffraction studies of macromolecules require large position s ensitive detectors. It is proposed that such a device can be based on image plate technology, which relies on re-usable photostimuable phosp hors, combined with a neutron to gamma-ray converter. Design parameter s such as the best wavelength for the neutron radiation and the optimu m sample to detector distance are discussed, and a design for a cylind rical detector is outlined. Presently a prototype of such a detector i s being built, and the very first test-recording of an X-ray diffracti on pattern from a protein crystal is presented.