Micro Electron Diffractometer (MicroED) System

Background
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Molecular Foundry Division operates a DOE Office of Science User Facility that provides state-of-the-art expertise and instrumentation for nanoscale science research in materials science, chemistry, biology, and energy.

A dedicated Micro Electron Diffractometer (MicroED) System supports this mission by enabling routine atomic-structure determination for nanocrystalline and microcrystalline materials that are too small for conventional single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This ensures the advanced structural characterization capabilities required for user projects and scientific discoveries meet the facility’s demanding research standards.

Work Details
LBNL intends to acquire a Micro Electron Diffractometer (MicroED) System that meets or exceeds the following preliminary specifications:

1. Continuous Rotation Collection at 200 k.
2. Low-Dose Screening: Low-dose pre-screening regime (< 0.01 – 0.1 e⁻/Ų/s) using low-magnification STEM/TEM grid mapping to minimize radiation damage prior to data collection.
3. Electron-Counting Detection: Must feature direct electron-counting detection technology (e.g., Hybrid Pixel Array Detector or equivalent) with zero dark current/readout noise, high dynamic range (> 10⁶), and a framing rate of ≥ 100 fps.
4. Automated Grain Recognition & Centering: AI/computer-vision sub-micron crystal recognition, automated grid navigation, and 3D optical/diffraction crystal-centering routines.
5. Concurrent Processing: Must support dynamic concurrent processing during data acquisition, including indexing, spot integration, and space-group estimation.
6. Unit-Cell Clustering & Multi-Crystal Merging: Hierarchical unit-cell clustering algorithms and intensity scaling/merging across incomplete multi-crystal datasets to achieve > 95% completeness.
7. Integrated Structure Solution / Refinement: Must provide an integrated pipeline for ab initio structure determination (supporting direct methods/charge flipping) and kinematic/dynamical structure refinement using industry-standard, non-proprietary crystallographic software platforms.
8. Stable Diffraction-Ready Optics: Parallel-beam optics configured for electron diffraction, low beam energy spread (< 0.7 eV), and ultra-low goniometer drift (< 1 nm/min).
9. Baseline Operation and Modular Upgrades: Must support an ambient (298 K) baseline operation and cryo-cooling (e.g., 100 K) while offering modular upgrade paths for future enhancements, including air-free transfer, in-situ environmental controls (heating/biasing/gas-liquid), and EDS microanalysis.
10. Installation, Training, Service, Water-Cooled Chiller, and Seismic Restraint: Comprehensive vendor delivery including seismic anchoring, dedicated closed-loop water chiller, on-site application training, and multi-year service level agreement (SLA).

Place of Performance
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Bidder Requirements
Respondents must demonstrate a proven record of delivering a Micro Electron Diffractometer System per the preliminary specifications above and indicate the country of origin where the instrument is manufactured.