diffraksjonsgoniometer

A diffraksjonsgoniometer is an instrument used in crystallography and materials science to measure the angles at which diffracted X-rays, electrons, or neutrons emerge from a crystal. The principle behind its operation is the diffraction of waves by the regularly spaced atoms within a crystal lattice, as described by Bragg's Law. This law relates the wavelength of the incident radiation, the interplanar spacing within the crystal, and the angle of diffraction.

The instrument typically consists of a source of radiation, a sample holder for the crystal, and a detector that can be rotated around the sample. The crystal is positioned so that the incident beam strikes it at various angles. As the radiation is diffracted by the crystal planes, it produces a pattern of diffracted beams. The goniometer allows for precise control over the orientation of the crystal and the measurement of the angular positions of these diffracted beams.

By accurately measuring these diffraction angles, one can determine the d-spacings of the crystal planes. These d-spacings are characteristic of the crystal structure and can be used to identify unknown crystalline materials, determine lattice parameters, and study crystal imperfections. Early diffraksjonsgoniometers were mechanical devices, but modern versions often incorporate automated systems for sample manipulation and data acquisition, increasing precision and efficiency. The data collected from a diffraksjonsgoniometer forms the basis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, a powerful technique for characterizing solid materials.