Integrated beamline control and data acquisition for small-angle X-ray scattering at the P12 BioSAXS beamline at PETRAIII storage ring DESY

A versatile C++/Python-based data-acquisition and beamline control system for the P12 small-angle X-ray scattering beamline P12 at PETRAIII (DESY, Hamburg, Germany) is presented. The versatility of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) as a structural biology method is apparent by its compatibility with many experimental set-ups. Most advanced SAXS studies are conducted at dedicated synchrotron beamlines yielding high beam brilliance, throughput and temporal resolution. However, utilizing the full potential of the method while preserving a high degree of automation provides a challenge to any SAXS beamline. This challenge is especially pertinent at the P12 BioSAXS beamline of the EMBL at the PETRAIII Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg, Germany), optimized and dedicated to scattering of macromolecular solutions. Over 200 unique set-ups are possible at this beamline offering various functionalities, including different temporal and spatial resolutions. Presented here is a beamline control and data-acquisition software, BECQUEREL, designed to maximize flexibility and automation in the operation of P12. In the frame of a single intuitive interface the control system allows for convenient operation with all hardware set-ups available at P12 including a robotic sample changer, in-line size-exclusion chromatography, stop-flow devices, microfluidic spinning disk and various in-air settings. Additional functionalities are available to assist the data-collection procedure for novice users, and also routine operation of the support staff.