XRD Analysis Lab

 

The PANalytical X'pert MPD X-ray Diffractometer is used extensively in our Forensic Geosciences course. It has the following basic configuration and capabilities:

                                                                                                        
  • Theta-theta configuration with operational range of 0-167° 2-theta (this means that the sample stage is fixed while the X-ray source and detector rotate around it).    
  • Copper (Cu) High Power tube – line or point focus   
  •  X’Celerator High Speed Detector system
  • Graphite monochromomator (for suppressing fluorescence)
  • Focusing Beam(powders and flat samples) and Parallel Beam optics (thin films and irregularly shaped samples).
  • Sealed Xe Proportional Detector for use with Parallel Beam optics
  • Fixed divergence and anti-scatter slits from 1/4 - 2 degree.
  • Multiple sample stages – 15 position sample changer for powder samples, Flat sample mount sample stage, and multipurpose stage capable of supporting 10cm x 10cm x 10cm samples up to 1kg.
  • Data collection and analysis software
  • On-line sample identification with ICDD database and access to PDF-2 database