PERFORMANCE OF BEAMLINE X8C AT THE NSLS

Performance characteristics of beamline X8C at the National Synchrotro n Light Source are described. Beamline optics consist of a rhodium coa ted collimating mirror, a two (optional four) crystal monochromator an d a rhodium coated focussing mirror. X-ray source diagnostic informati on is provided by a dual wire beam position monitor that precedes all beamline components. Measurements are presented for three different op tical configurations using the non-dispersive two crystal geometry. Ad vantages and disadvantages of this beamline design are discussed, with particular emphasis placed on details of the collimating mirror perfo rmance. A brief description of experimental apparatus is also given in cluding computing resources, which have been optimized to handle biolo gical macromolecular diffraction data from a CCD area detector.