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: A mounting system and a sample holder for an X-ray diffraction (XRD) apparatus are provided. The mounting system includes a mounting bracket, an attachment module and a biasing assembly. The mounting bracket is mountable to the XRD apparatus and is rotatable about a rotation axis. The mounting bracket includes an abutment structure defining a reference position. The attachment module is mountable onto the mounting bracket at an adjustable attaching position with respect to the reference position. The attachment module comprises an attaching element that is engageable with the abutment structure for abutting the mounting bracket proximate the reference position. The biasing assembly is mounted onto one of the mounting bracket or the attachment module for interlocking the mounting bracket with the attachment module, such that the mounting bracket is blocked in a plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis, thereby allowing the attaching position to be aligned with the rotation axis.

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.

Abstract: A mounting system and a sample holder for an X-ray diffraction (XRD) apparatus are provided. The mounting system includes a mounting bracket, an attachment module and a biasing assembly. The mounting bracket is mountable to the XRD apparatus and is rotatable about a rotation axis. The mounting bracket includes an abutment structure defining a reference position. The attachment module is mountable onto the mounting bracket at an adjustable attaching position with respect to the reference position. The attachment module comprises an attaching element that is engageable with the abutment structure for abutting the mounting bracket proximate the reference position. The biasing assembly is mounted onto one of the mounting bracket or the attachment module for interlocking the mounting bracket with the attachment module, such that the mounting bracket is blocked in a plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis, thereby allowing the attaching position to be aligned with the rotation axis.

Abstract: A mounting system and a sample holder for an X-ray diffraction (XRD) apparatus are provided. The mounting system includes a mounting bracket, an attachment module and a biasing assembly. The mounting bracket is mountable to the XRD apparatus and is rotatable about a rotation axis. The mounting bracket includes an abutment structure defining a reference position. The attachment module is mountable onto the mounting bracket at an adjustable attaching position with respect to the reference position. The attachment module comprises an attaching element that is engageable with the abutment structure for abutting the mounting bracket proximate the reference position. The biasing assembly is mounted onto one of the mounting bracket or the attachment module for interlocking the mounting bracket with the attachment module, such that the mounting bracket is blocked in a plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis, thereby allowing the attaching position to be aligned with the rotation axis.

Abstract: A mounting system and a sample holder for an X-ray diffraction (XRD) apparatus are provided. The mounting system includes a mounting bracket, an attachment module and a biasing assembly. The mounting bracket is mountable to the XRD apparatus and is rotatable about a rotation axis. The mounting bracket includes an abutment structure defining a reference position. The attachment module is mountable onto the mounting bracket at an adjustable attaching position with respect to the reference position. The attachment module comprises an attaching element that is engageable with the abutment structure for abutting the mounting bracket proximate the reference position. The biasing assembly is mounted onto one of the mounting bracket or the attachment module for interlocking the mounting bracket with the attachment module, such that the mounting bracket is blocked in a plane substantially parallel to the rotation axis, thereby allowing the attaching position to be aligned with the rotation axis.