Stochastic computed tomography: theory and algorithms for single-shot X-FEL imaging (C02)

• Subject Area: Biophysics ; Mathematics
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 432680300

In this project we will develop the theory and algorithms for stochastic computed tomography in the context of single molecule single-shot femtosecond X-ray free-electron laser data. These experiments provide a new and unique route to macromolecular structure determination at room temperature, without the need for crystallization, and at low material usage. The main challenges in these experiments are the extremely low signal to noise ratio due to the very low expected photon count per scattering image (10–50), typically well below the number of photons required by currently available methods. We will overcome this limitation by new correlation-based and Bayesian approaches, which will in the long run enable the time-resolved structure determination of single molecules.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1456: Mathematics of Experiment: The challenge of indirect measurements in the natural sciences
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Helmut Grubmüller; Professor Dr. David Russell Luke