Abstract: A boron nitride, of amorphous structure, which can scratch diamond, is produced from hexagonal or turbostratic boron nitride as starting material. In the process for the production of the amorphous boron nitride, the starting material is subjected to pressures above 70 Kbar and temperatures of at least 1650.degree. C. for a period sufficient for the starting material to be completely melted, followed by quenching the resulting boron nitride melt and thereafter forming grains of amorphous boron nitride. The amorphous structure of the boron nitride is determined by X-ray and electron beam investigation.

Abstract: An Euler's goniometer for low-temperature diffractometry is rotatable about two turning circles and is arranged within a chamber filled with a coolant. Each of the turning circles - that is the chi-circle and the phi-circle - is constituted by a worm wheel which is driven in a stepwise manner by a worm and a stepper motor driving the worm. For providing a compact construction, the stepper motors and the actuated worms are arranged within the chamber as well.