X-ray Diffraction Laboratory
The X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory houses a Rigaku Ultima
III X-ray diffraction system. The system is configured with a vertical Theta:Theta
wide angle goniometer, high intensity Cu x-ray tube, and a scintillation
counter detector. Optics provide for both Bragg-Brentano parafocusing and
parallel-diffracted beams. Automatic variable divergence and antiscatter
slits as well as fixed beam monochromator are available. Automation and data
collection is accomplished through a Dell computer running Windows XP and
the latest version of MDI Jade+ 7.n software and
RIQAS 4.0 Rietveld Refinement Software. The computer also has release 1998
powder diffraction database files from the International Centre for Diffraction
Data for post collection data analysis. The laboratory also has a collection
of printed data files as well.
The lab is routinely used by several departments within SMU including Anthropology, Chemistry, Engineering, as well as Geology, and on occasion is used by staff and students from nearby Universities. Assistance with lab operation and maintenance is provided by staff member Roy Beavers.
The XRD laboratory is operated as a cost center within the Department. At present, non-profit users are charged $15/hr for daytime (supervised) use. SMU graduate students are exempt from these fees if they have no external sources of research support. Commercial (for-profit) users are charged $ _ /hr. Rates are adjusted occasionally to reflect increasing costs.
Contact Us
Those interested in services provided by the XRD Laboratory should contact:
Roy Beavers
Email: rbeavers@smu.edu