Abstract: A powder sample inspection cell assembly comprising a cell, an aperture being provided in a side wall of the cell; a closure member which can be clamped over the aperture to close it; and means for compacting the contents of the cell, the cell being oriented such that, after compaction, powder in the cell is sufficiently compacted so as not to escape through the aperture when the closure member is removed.

Abstract: A variable temperature NMR probe having a RF coil surrounding a sample position and a fluid jacket for conveying fluid to control the temperature at the sample position. An RF electromagnetic shield prevents fluid in a fluid conveyor from affecting a NMR signal from the sample position.

Abstract: X-ray Fluorescence Inspection Apparatus comprises an X-ray tube (1) for generating X-rays having a range of energies which are directed towards a sample position. A first filter assembly (3) is mounted between the X-ray tube (1) and the sample position and is movable between at least two positions to enable the energy band of X-rays reaching the sample position to be controlled in two different ways. An X-ray monitor (8) monitors X-rays from the sample position; and a second filter assembly (6) mounted between the sample position and the monitor (8) is movable between at least two positions to enable the energy band of X-rays reaching the monitor to be controlled in two different ways.