X-ray laboratory

X-ray diffraction (XRD)

The X-ray laboratory of the NanoBioMedical Centre has two modern and independent X-ray diffractometers, EMPYREAN and X'Pert PRO MRD from PANalytical.The availability of modern research equipment and qualified personnel ensures that scientific research can be carried out at the highest level. The specialised research equipment also enables teaching activities and ensures a high level of teaching.

X-ray diffractometer EMPYREAN (PANalytical) and accessories

Two-wheel powder diffractometer operating in Bragg-Brentano geometry. Standard equipment includes a Cu X-ray tube with linear/point focus (Co and Ag tubes are also available), a rotating transmission/reflection table and a PIXcel 3D high-speed linear detector operating in four modes. In addition, EMPYREAN has an unusually wide range of optional equipment, including a solid sample stage, a TTK 450 temperature stage, a rotary capillary stage, a CT stage, an additional scintillation detector and two independent cooling systems, i) Oxford Cryosystems (Cryostream 700 series, Plus), ii) Anton Paar (TCU 110), operating in the ranges -193°C to +227°C and -193°C to +450°C respectively.

The extensive configuration of the instrument in the PreFIX system (pre-aligned fast interchangeable X-ray modules) allows different types of measurements to be carried out, i.e.

- quantitative and qualitative phase analysis (based on the latest ICDD database PDF4+ - updated annually),

- phase analysis as a function of temperature,

- phase analysis of a substance using capillaries,

- analysis of the distribution of distances between pairs of particles contained in a given volume - PDF (Pair Distribution Function),

- fixed-angle geometry (SKP) measurements,

- average size and pore/grain size distribution measurements using the SAXS (Small Angle X-ray Scattering) method.

X'Pert PRO MRD X-ray diffractometer (PANalytical) and accessories

Four-wheel diffractometer, mainly dedicated to the analysis of thin films. Standard equipment includes a Cu x-ray tube with linear/point focus, magnetic stage, two proportional detectors (Xe) and a slit kit.In addition, we have as accessories: a parabolic Cu mirror (MRD), a 4xGe200 monochromator, a 0.18° parallel collimator, high-resolution deflected beam optics (Triple axis arm and Rocking Curve arm ), a programmable primary beam absorber (attenuator). Research scope:

  • thin film thickness and morphology analysis (reflectometry),
  • thin film stress and texture analysis,
  • low angle surface diffraction
  • inverse-space mapping