Contact:
Niels Bech Christensen Senior Scientist DTU Physics
45253206, nbch@fysik.dtu.dk
Crystalline materials are characterized by 3 lattice vectors with particular lengths and mutual orientations. In studies of crystalline samples with x-rays and neutrons it is often crucial to know the sample orientation precisely.
One typical method to orient a sample is to use Laue x-ray diffraction. This, however, requires a specialized setup that is currently not available at DTU Lyngby Campus. Therefore, an alternative method for determining crystal orientation is needed.
Recently the NEXMAP section at DTU Physics has acquired a new high-energy dispersive x-ray diffractometer using novel energy resolving detectors and this setup may be usable for the alignment of crystals.
In this project, you will be charged with investigating the feasibility of utilizing the-high energy dispersive x-ray diffractometer for crystal alignment. You will work with a sample of known crystal structure, i.e. known lattice vectors. By rotating the sample in the x-ray beam and observing Bragg peaks on the detector, you should then investigate whether the new setup can be a useful and flexible alternative to Laue diffraction.
This project will give you a first glimpse at crystallography which is part of the curriculum of the mandatory 5th semester course 10303, Condensed Matter Physics and Nanoscale Materials Physics. Furthermore, the outcome of your project will be great important for the NEXMAP section for the decision if the method will be applied in the future for alignment of crystals.
Top: A view of the high-energy dispersive x-ray diffractometer. Bottom: A typical Laue diffraction pattern obtained on a crystal.