X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) systems analyze the structure of materials such as crystals and powders. The X-Ray Tube generates heat from the interaction of electrons in the cathode and the anode. The electrons emitted from the cathode (filament) are accelerated towards the anode – when the electrons hit the anode, they produce x-rays. Keep in mind that the focal “spot” on the anode is most commonly only 12×0.4mm rectangular. The full power of the generator is being dissipated

The Siemens D5000 and Bruker D8 systems we work with have an optional phi-stage that is very useful. It looks and moves like any other rotation stage, but it’s driven by a stepper motor which actually makes it an additional degree of freedom. The user can rotate the sample at a specified rate, position it at a specified angle, or even perform a scan in the phi axis. We have a client who just took delivery of their D5000 and

Much of the material we receive is already finely ground and ready for XRD or XRF analysis, but sometimes we receive bulk material which must be homogenized before we can take a representative split for analysis. This is one of the most frustrating parts of working with samples and very time-consuming as we’ve historically done it by hand. This usually means splitting out a large fraction of the material and breaking up larger rocks, etc by hand, sieving, then breaking

Your little scientist will love the realistic lights and sounds of their very own X-ray diffraction system. At KSA we are firm believers that kids learn best by “doing”. There’s no better way to bring the next generation of bright thinkers into the lab. Now they can analyze real materials just like Mom and Dad! Everything you need to get started Basic PPE Dosimetry service Sample preparation kit MDI Jade “Tween” edition Now with REAL ionizing x-rays! Coming soon: BATF arson investigation kit with accelerant detection!

There’s a simple and inverse relationship between the average atomic number of a given matrix and the efficiency with which it scatters X-rays. The effect isn’t all that much different from shining a flashlight on a white piece of paper. While it’s nothing like a mirror, you’ll definitely get light scattering off of it to some degree. This effect has strong effects on most XRD and XRF applications in that the additional photons must be dealt with somehow. This post

XRD tubes rely on the ability to precisely regulate the flow of electrons from the filament to the anode in order to create x-ray emissions. That requires a completely evacuated envelope to avoid having the high-voltage short to ground. The resulting symptom is that the high voltage generator will shut down almost instantly when the high-voltage potential is applied. This particular tube looked fine on the outside and didn’t even look all that old so it was a little surprising to