Department of Chemistry

Analytical Spectroscopy Laboratory

Rigaku X-Ray Powder Diffractometer

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This is a general purpose diffractometer which can be used to characterize powders and polycrystalline materials. The samples are usually supported in glass slides with a shallow rectangular depression (either 0.2 mm or 0.5 mm deep) which is roughened at the bottom. These can be purchased from Rigaku. All samples are run in air at room temperature.  The ICDD Powder Diffraction Files are installed on the computer, and the JADE data analysis software can perform search-match. This instrument can be very useful in the identification of unknowns, identification of impurity phases, etc.

Click on picture to enlarge

Of the 2 XRD units in this facility, this is the easier one to use, and would normally be the one chosen for routine use. It would often be used before scheduling time on the Bruker diffractometer which is in the same room.

Those wishing to study samples at other than room temperature, in controlled atmospheres, in capillary sample tubes, and for precision structural determination should use the Bruker D8 Advance diffractometer.

Click here to see photos of the sample presentation and control computer.

Click here for a tutorial on X-Ray powder diffraction by a local expert.

2 Library books which I have found useful:

• "Elements of X-Ray Diffraction", B.D. Cullity, 2nd Ed., Addison Wesley.

• "X-Ray Diffraction Procedures", H.P. Klug, L.E. Alexander, 2nd Ed. John Wiley & Sons.