Abstract: There is provided an X-ray source for an X-ray diffraction apparatus. The source includes a target and a filament operable to generate an X-ray beam, a vacuum chamber, outer and inner housings and a rotation mechanism. The chamber encloses the target and the filament and has a window transparent to the beam. The outer housing is mountable to the apparatus and includes outer housing openings. The inner housing encloses the chamber and is mounted to the outer housing. The inner housing includes inner housing openings positioned to be aligned with the window and the outer housing openings. The rotation mechanism is in engagement with the outer housing and the inner housing and is operable to provide a rotation between the inner outer housings between a line focus configuration, wherein the filament is parallel to the window, and a point focus configuration, wherein the filament is perpendicular to the window.

Abstract: There is provided a transmission X-ray diffraction (XRD) apparatus, the transmission XRD apparatus including an X-ray source for generating a direct X-ray beam; sample holder for receiving the sample, the sample being positioned to receive the direct X-ray beam when held by the sample holder; a detector for receiving X-rays transmitted through the sample and outputting an X-ray diffraction pattern therefrom; and an optical element positioned between the X-ray source and the detector, the optical element including a Montel optic and a secondary pin-hole collimator collectively adapted to focus the direct X-ray beam on the detector, wherein a ratio between a dimension of the direct X-ray beam projected on the detector and a sample-to-detector distance is equal or smaller than 1/570. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: An X-ray window of an X-ray diffractometer diffraction chamber is provided. The X-ray window can include: a plurality of unidirectional carbon fiber sheets stacked one over another, wherein carbon fibers in adjacent carbon fiber sheets are disposed at an angle relative to one another; and a binding material that binds the plurality of unidirectional carbon fiber sheets together, the binding material being at least partially transparent to X-ray radiation. The X-ray window can also or alternatively include: at least one carbon fiber sheet, the X-ray window having a carbon fiber content of at least 50 wt % and a thickness between about 0.2 mm and about 5 mm to be adapted for use at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.