Available Methods & Accessories
The Oxford Diffraction Xcalibur PX Ultra is a wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) system equipped with a fine-focus copper X-ray tube and a high-speed CCD detector for rapid collection of diffraction data. Its 4-circle kappa goniometer provides flexible sample positioning and alignment for a variety of materials.
Available capabilities include:
- Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS)
- Transmission geometry measurements
- Crystalline phase identification
- Crystallite size and degree of crystallinity analysis
- Crystal orientation and preferred alignment
- Structural analysis of fibers, films, powders, and other crystalline or semi-crystalline materials
Sample Requirements
- Crystalline and semi-crystalline materials
- Amorphous materials can be analyzed to evaluate the presence of detectable crystalline phases
- Liquids and gels: approximately 200 µL
- Powders: approximately 50–500 mg
- Thin films: approximately 20 × 20 mm, thickness <1 mm
Summary of Technique
Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) is used to characterize the atomic and molecular arrangement of crystalline and semi-crystalline materials. In transmission geometry, the X-ray beam passes through the sample and the resulting diffraction pattern is recorded with a 2D area detector. The positions and intensities of the diffraction features provide information about crystalline phases, crystal structure, d-spacing, crystallite size, degree of crystallinity, and preferred crystal orientation.
Information Provided & Detection Limits
- Identification of crystalline phases and structural features
- d-spacing and crystal structure information
- Crystallite size and degree of crystallinity, when appropriate
- Crystal orientation and preferred alignment
- Information on structural changes
- Detection of crystalline features depends on the sample composition, crystallinity, sample thickness, scattering strength, and measurement conditions
Lab Location and Contact Information
Location: Science-1, X-ray laboratory, room G27
Lab Manager: Daniela Morales
860-486-1824