Abstract: Crystallite size in a sample is determined by performing a quantitative ?-profile analysis on a diffraction ring in a two-dimensional X-ray diffraction pattern. In particular, a two-dimensional X-ray diffraction system is first calibrated with a sample having a known crystallite size, crystal structure and X-ray absorption coefficient. For a given instrument window, the number of grains contributing to a selected diffraction ring is determined by the effective diffraction volume, grain size and the multiplicity of the diffracting crystal planes. The grain size of an unknown sample can then be determined by a quantitative analysis of the diffraction ring.

Abstract: A diffractometer for X-ray diffraction measurements has two co-exiting sample stages which are mounted on the goniometer base simultaneously. A rotation stage is used for single crystal X-ray diffraction and an XYZ stage is used for general X-ray diffraction with bulky samples. The driving bases of both stages are located away from the instrument center so the measuring space in the vicinity of the instrument center is available to either of the two sample stages. With this arrangement, the rotation axis of the rotation stage stays aligned to the instrument center even when the XYZ stage is used for data collection. Therefore, realigning of the rotation stage to the instrument center is not necessary when switching the applications between the two stages.

Abstract: A handheld X-ray diffractometer comprises a miniaturized X-ray source and multiple area detectors to allow the diffractometer to obtain two-dimensional X-ray diffraction images in a large diffraction space without rotating the sample. The source and detectors are located inside of a radio opaque enclosure that protects the operator during use. The handheld diffractometer also comprises a sample monitoring and alignment system that allows an operator to observe the measuring area and to align the diffractometer to the sample from outside of the housing. A specially designed mouthpiece, which mates the diffractometer to the sample area, prevents x-ray leakage and triggers off the data collection. The detectors can be positioned to perform measurements necessary to calculate a mechanical stress in the sample. Linear detectors may also be used in place of the area detectors.