Application procedure

A benchtop XRD (600 W) with strip detector is available for visitors (inside and outside DESY) at the P61B beamline. Here are a few rules to follow when deciding to apply for measurement time using this instrument.

Please contact the beamline manager (Dr. Robert Farla). Be thorough with your request to use the XRD. Why do you need it? What substance(s) will you measure? How many samples will you measure? How many days do you need (this depends on acquisition time)? When do you wish to do the measurements? Keep in mind that the XRD is primarily for beamline users and staff at P61B. Therefore, time offered may be on different dates than initially requested. We may suggest different methods or shorter acquisition times for your measurements. For example, it has been shown that 2 hour acquisition already provides good data with over 1000 counts per peak. This way, up to 3 samples may be analysed per day for most efficient use of the XRD.

We will gladly assist you to get good powder diffraction data. Keep in mind that for safety and security reasons, completely independent use of the XRD is not permitted, nor measurements below 10°.

Please note, the XRD is not an on-demand instrument, which can be switched on and off repeatedly. You must come prepared! We will not accept repeated requests for measurements of one sample after another on different days!

XRD specifications

The features of the benchtop XRD are described here (pdf) in detail.

New! We now offer sample holders with various depths 1 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.2 mm in order to reduce amount of powder needed for a full measurement. These were 3D printed at DESY. Since the beam width is 8 mm, the powder covers an area with ~10 mm diameter to ensure all diffracted X-rays are from the sample.