The University of Montana has purchased a single-crystal X-ray diffractometer valued at $515,000. The device is the only small-molecule diffractometer in Montana and this part of the Rocky Mountain West. “This is a state-of-the-art instrument,” said Orion Berryman, a UM assistant professor of chemistry. “We are really excited to have it here.” The device was installed the last week of January in the basement of UM’s Interdisciplinary Science Building. It did its first imaging Feb. 3. He said the new UM instrument has a lot of capabilities because it has two X-ray sources – one copper and one molybdenum – that produce X-rays with different wavelengths. This makes the device capable of handling both large crystals or small samples that don’t defract well. Though the diffractometer is valued a $515,000, UM paid significantly less. Berryman earned a $265,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to fund purchase of the instrument, and UM’s research administration office, chemistry department, pharmacy college and College of Humanities and Sciences provided a 30 percent match. The manufacturer also provided a substantial discount.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 18:16:47 +0000
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