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[August 2004]
XRD of X-ray Transparent Samples Simplified
Anticipating customer needs, PANalytical (Almelo, Holland) has extended the transmission capabilities of its X'Pert PRO MPD multi-purpose X-ray diffraction system to make the analysis of X-ray transparent samples easier and more flexible.
Conventionally, X-ray transparent samples are measured in glass capillaries, using parallel beam geometry. Under these conditions, achieving good angular resolution in the diffractogram requires the use of thin capillaries. This both lowers the diffracted intensity and makes sample preparation cumbersome. Switching to focusing transmission geometry can eliminate the influence of capillary diameter, but instruments that use this geometry are often restricted to analysing only this type of sample.
PANalytical's new focusing transmission geometry employs a novel focusing X-ray mirror to overcome these limitations: angular resolution is high and independent of capillary diameter, allowing the use of thicker capillaries; sample preparation is simplified and relatively large sample volumes can be used, resulting in higher peak densities. In addition, measurements are not restricted to powders in glass capillaries. A new sample spinner and specially designed sample holders enable the measurement of materials held between foils.
ENDS