Single-Crystal Diffraction Queue

Rules Regarding the X-Ray Queue

Our facility runs 24/7, and beam time is precious. The goal of the following policies is to optimize operational efficiency.

1. The use of the facility is for authorized DIY users only. Only authorized DIY users are allowed to be in the lab during off hours (i.e. no children, visitors, etc.).
2. You must have crystals! Please don't sign up in anticipation of crystals.
3. There will be separate queues for each machine. You can only sign up once for each machine with a maximum of two machines, excluding APEX. You can only sign up again when your turn is over.
4. The manager reserves the right to bump anyone in the queue to get other crystals run.
5. When you sign up, if you know you won't be able to use the machine at a certain time, please write it down in "Special Requirements." For example: "NOT after 6:00 PM" or "NOT Weekend." In this case, you will remain on top of the list even though other users might bypass you during the times you are not available.
6. Note: During the weekend or holiday, if all the signed-up users are not available to use the diffractometer, the system will clean up the waiting list and open to the user who is ready to use the machine.
7. When you sign up, please indicate in "Special Requirements" whether your lab or cell phone number is a better way to contact you.
8. Note: If you aren't getting emails, make sure check spam at https://spam.huit.harvard.edu/ and add "zheng@chemistry.harvard.edu" to your "Safe Sender" list. For more help, please contact research computing at rchelp@fas.harvard.edu
9. When you start to use the machine, write down the date, your initials, group, and crystal owners name by using the log-in book on the PC desk. When finished, then write down your result.
10. If the evaluation of your crystals shows "NOGO", please go back to the electronic SIGN- UP system, choose "No-Go" for the "Result" to send out an email to inform the next three users on the list. If the next person provides a phone number, please also call him/her, and make sure he/she gets the message.
11. After you start your data collection and know how long the data collection will last, please:
    1. log back into this sign-up system
    2. choose "Success - Fast" or "Success - Full" for the result
    3. write down when your data collection will be finished in the "Status Note"
    4. doing this will send out an email to inform the next three users on the list
    5. leave a note on a piece of paper near the log-in book letting other users know how long your data collection will take. For example: "you can stop the data collection after 3 runs (~ 2 PM, March 23)"
    6. If the next person provides a phone number, please also call him/her, and make sure he/ she get the message.
    • Note: The data collection time usually is start from the first frame of your data, and end with the time you stated on the notification. If you fail to inform the next persons, you may be changed for the extra beam time you used, such as from "Fast" to "Full"
12. Please remember to check the previous user's Estimated Time of Completion; be prepared to use the machine at this time.
13. When you get a message about when you can use the machine:
    • if you aren't able to use it because of a time conflict, please log in to this sign-up system to inform the persons next to you, so you can keep defer your time now, but stay at the front of the queue.
    • if you are able to use the machine, please show up on time.
14. If you don't show up within a reasonable period of time and fail to respond, you will lose your reservation and have to sign up again.
    • Note: If the data collection is finished in the midnight, and you would like to use the machine the next day, please show up BEFORE 10:00 AM.
15. Be courteous and considerate of other's work.
16. Keep the lab clean and organized.
17. Violation of the rules means loss of your DIY privileges.