Beamline User Program

The GCPCC beamline serves as a regional research and training facility. It provides improved access to a MAD capable synchrotron radiation beamline, accelerating the solution of new macromolecular structures. Located close to the consortium laboratories, the beamline facilitates the participation of new students in the solution of protein and nucleic acid structures.

The GCPCC beamline has allocated 25 % of the beamline time to general users. In addition to onsite access, we are implementing a "FedEx data collection" program similar to the one developed by NSLS as a method for meeting some of this 25 % commitment. Information regarding access to the beamline or the "FedEx data collection" program can be obtained by contacting the beamline staff.

Scheduling Beam Time
The GCPCC beamline serves as a regional research and training facility. Members of the GCPCC are allocated 75% of the beam time with the remainder available to outside users. To request beam time, send an e-mail to gcpcc_access@xray.utmb.edu with a brief description of your project and when you want beam time. We will accept forms used by other beamlines for this purpose. There is no charge for non-proprietary research at CAMD. It is possible to do proprietary research at CAMD by paying for the cost of the beam time.

Access to CAMD
Before coming to collect data, each group must send a list of substances that will be brought to the beamline. This list should include macromolecules, heavy atoms, cryo-protectants, and any other chemicals that will be brought to the site. The source (organism, cloned/not-cloned) must be given for any macromolecules. All substances brought to the beamline should return with you when your beam time is over, and a statement to this effect should be included with the list of substances. The list of substances and a list of all people who will be coming to the beamline must be sent to CAMD's Safety Officer, Dr. Lorraine Day, at least a week in advance of your visit. Before their first visit to CAMD, everyone must take and pass the CAMD Radiation Safety Test. At the top of the test form, request access for the Entrance Door and the Experiment Hall.

Access to the CAMD building is controlled by a magnetic card system. If you have passed your Radiation Safety Test, you will receive a dosimeter and access card. There is a $10 refundable deposit required to receive your access card. Access card are only available between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

CAMD is not a DOE facility, and there are no special access requirements for non-US citizens from any nation.

Biohazards:
The GCPCC beamline does not currently accept samples that contain infectious agents. Heavy atoms are allowed at the GCPCC beamline. Please contact us if you have any questions as to what is acceptable.  Users must take any samples or chemicals they brought to CAMD back to their home lab when their beam time is over.

Shipping Samples to the Beamline

Users may ship their samples in a dry shipper to the beamline in advance of their visit.

Samples should be shipped to:

PX Beamline c/o Henry Bellamy

CAMD/LSU

6980 Jefferson Hwy

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

For the phone number use (225) 578-9342.

The staff should be notified of any samples being shipped to CAMD along with a tracking number by e-mailing gcpcc_access@xray.utmb.edu so that we are aware of the incoming shipment.  CAMD does not receive shipments on Saturdays.

Data Backup at CAMD

The GCPCC beamline has both a CD and a DVD burner.  The DVD burner accepts both + and - DVD formats.

The GCPCC beamline also allows the use of portable USB or Firewire hard drives.  Since we currently do not have a USB 2.0 port, Firewire offers the best data transfer rate.  To use the USB of Firewire hard drives, plug the drive into the power source, then connect to Tardis through the ports located on the front side of the computer.  Tardis should recognize the hard drive automatically.

Directions to CAMD

NOTE: CAMD is not located on the LSU campus. Do not follow signs pointing to LSU.

By Car
From the west: Take I-10 east to Baton Rouge and exit at College Dr. (Exit 158). Turn left onto College Dr., and follow it until it ends at Jefferson Hwy. Turn right onto Jefferson Hwy. and go about 3/4 miles. CAMD is the large white building in the middle of a field on the right.

From the south/east: Take I-10 or I-12 west to Baton Rouge and exit at College Dr. (Exit 158, after I-10 and I-12 merge). Turn right onto College Dr., and follow it until it ends at Jefferson Hwy. Turn right onto Jefferson Hwy. and go about 3/4 miles. CAMD is the large white building in the middle of a field on the right.

By Plane
Fly to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR). Exit the airport on Veterans Memorial Blvd. and turn left. Go about 0.7 miles to Harding Blvd. and follow the signs to I-110 South. After about 6 miles, I-110 merges with I-10. Take I-10 east about 2.5 mi. and exit at College Dr. (Exit 158). Turn left onto College Dr., and follow it until it ends at Jefferson Hwy. Turn right onto Jefferson Hwy. and go about 3/4 miles. CAMD is the large white building in the middle of a field on the right.

Note that it may be significantly cheaper to fly into New Orleans (MSY). The New Orleans airport is about 70 miles away from CAMD. If you fly into New Orleans, follow the directions for arriving by car from the south/east.

When you arrive at CAMD you may park anywhere as there are no assigned spaces. The administrative offices are in the builiding furthest from Jefferson Hwy. The entrances to the experimental hall are located next to the administrative offices.

Hotel Accomodations

There are several hotels located near the CAMD site. Two possibilities are:

Extended Stay America - Citiplace
6250 Corporate Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(800) 469-6130 or (225) 201-0330

Quality Suites (This hotel offers a special rate if you say you are affiliated with LSU)
9138 Bluebonnet Centre Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 293-1199