Development of time-resolved devices to regulate and measure muscle responses in X-ray diffraction experiments

Devices to keep the muscle in a living state and to measure simultaneously its mechanical parameters and diffraction data with the same time resolution have been designed. They enable us to realize various types of contraction: isometric, isotonic, quick release or quick stretch, and double stimulation with various interpulse intervals. The devices have mutually agreeing properties, and good stability and reliability of operation. Their dimensions in direction of synchrotron beam as well as weight are minimized. The devices are used in time-resolved diffraction experiments on the storage ring VEPP-3 at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk.