Unit cell and phase identity
selected-area diffraction
Material Analysis · Structure & Spectroscopy
3D / Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (3D-ED/MicroED)
Characterise unit cell and phase identity, crystal orientation and reciprocal lattice, and three-dimensional molecular or atomic structure using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£450 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 6 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Rigaku XtaLAB Synergy-ED
- Typical outputs
- Diffraction datasetsIndexed unit cell and orientationRefined or solved structure where data quality permitsProcessed spectra
Why this service
What 3D-ED/MicroED can help you understand
3D / Microcrystal Electron Diffraction is selected when the project needs defensible information on unit cell and phase identity, crystal orientation and reciprocal lattice, or three-dimensional…
Crystal orientation and reciprocal lattice
automated 3D electron diffraction
Three-dimensional molecular or atomic structure
MicroED structure determination
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Selected-area diffraction
unit cell and phase identity
- Best used when
- unit cell and phase identity
- Typical result
- Diffraction datasets
- Preparation note
- Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement.
Automated 3D electron diffraction
crystal orientation and reciprocal lattice
- Best used when
- crystal orientation and reciprocal lattice
- Typical result
- Indexed unit cell and orientation
- Preparation note
- Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements.
MicroED structure determination
three-dimensional molecular or atomic structure
- Best used when
- three-dimensional molecular or atomic structure
- Typical result
- Refined or solved structure where data quality permits
- Preparation note
- Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Diffraction datasets reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Indexed unit cell and orientation supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Refined or solved structure where data quality permits provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed spectra included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid / solution | Provide a sealed, compatible container labelled with composition, concentration and solvent. | Declare volatility, corrosivity, suspended solids and any storage or temperature requirement. |
| Biological / soft material | Provide fixed, preserved or otherwise stabilised material in the agreed container and medium. | Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements. |
| Test coupon / specimen | Provide labelled specimens prepared to the agreed geometry, orientation and surface condition. | Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for 3D / Microcrystal Electron Diffraction?
Provide liquid / solution, biological / soft material, test coupon / specimen, device / assembly as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For unit cell and phase identity, start with selected-area diffraction; add automated 3D electron diffraction when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 6 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Dynamical scattering, thickness, beam damage, and crystal quality affect refinement. Absolute configuration or full structure solution may require complementary evidence.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope 3D-ED/MicroED correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth