Elements for Designing an X-Ray Diffraction Experiment

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to discuss the basic elements of the apparatus necessary for performing x-ray diffraction and x-ray reflectometry experiments. These are the sources providing the x-rays, the optical elements to monochromate and collimate the incident beam for an optimum interaction with the sample and the detection units, recording the diffracted/reflected radiation as a function of a spatial angle or of energy. The particular design will be different, of course, depending on whether we are performing the experiment in a home laboratory or at a beamline of a storage ring facility. Although the arrangement of elements may differ, the functions of the elements will be the same.