Development of a ceramic injection molding process for liquid jet nozzles to be applied for X-ray free-electron lasers

Serial crystallography experiments at X-ray free-electron lasers can utilize specially designed ceramic nozzles to generate a strongly focused liquid jet of sample. Several nozzle design options have been evaluated and a concept using a sharpened glass capillary mounted in a self-centering ceramic nozzles is detailed. Filling simulations and tool construction are given for micro ceramic injection molding manufacture of the nozzles. Produced parts are found to meet the specifications for nozzle dimensions and bearing features. Functionality tests show superior performance with respect to liquid jet straightness and reproducibility compared to flame polished glass nozzles