Nicholas J. Terrill

Papers

Total Citations

193

H-Index

About

Nicholas J. Terrill is a leading figure in synchrotron science, specializing in the development and application of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. His most significant contribution is the design and commissioning of Beamline B21 at Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron. As detailed in his highly cited 2020 paper (193 citations), B21 is a high-throughput SAXS beamline that leverages a bending magnet source to deliver an impressive 2 × 10¹² photons per second to a 34-micron focus, enabling rapid structural analysis of biological and soft matter samples. This work has revolutionized access to SAXS for the global research community, allowing scientists to study proteins, nanoparticles, and polymers in solution with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Terrill’s expertise in beamline optics, including the use of double multi-layer monochromators and toroidal focusing mirrors, has set a new standard for facility performance. His efforts have directly accelerated discoveries in structural biology and materials science, making him a pivotal contributor to the UK’s synchrotron capabilities and a key enabler of high-impact, user-driven research.