Basic course x-ray diffraction on powders

This course comprises practical introduction to x-ray diffraction and the optimal use of an x-ray diffractometer. The course is intended for laboratory staff who are using, or going to use x-ray diffraction as a tool. The language of the course is dutch or english depending on the participants. During the course we will work out some examples on a diffractometer at the premises of Philips in Eindhoven. After the course the attendees should be able to record diffraction patterns and identify the phases in the sample. Topics covered during this course are:

• Properties and generation of x-rays
• Properties of crystals and polycrystalline materials
• Periodicity and symmetry
• Principles of x-ray diffraction. The Laue conditions and Bragg’s law.
• (para)Focusing optics
• Obtaining monochromatic radiation
• Instrument settings. Resolution versus sensitivity
• Detectors
• Effect of crystal structure on the relative intensities