The Xcalibur diffractometer purchased from Oxford Diffraction was delivered in June 2001.

The complete process from unpacking the boxes to starting the first data collection took less than a week. Here are some pictures from the installation.

The diffractometer is to be used for precise intensity data collections from single-crystals held at high-pressures in diamond-anvil cells. These data will allow us to determine how the distances and angles between atoms change as the material is subject to pressure. More information about the capabilities of the Xcalibur system and the research projects for which is being used is located on the Xcalibur page.

The installation crew Mathias Meyer	from Oxford Diffraction David Warner and Robert Pol
Initial assembly of the system
Initial coarse mechanical alignment of the diffractometer	Fine alignment performed by diffraction under control by Robert and computer
Just one of the 7 crates	Filling the cooling system
The Xcalibur system installed with a diamond-anvil high-pressure cell
Satisfied customer	Reward for the engineer!

Pictures from Mark Fortney (VPI) and Mathias Meyer (Oxford Diffraction)