New total scattering experiment online!

Our new X-ray powder diffraction instrument is by no means standard: it features a x-ray source of very short wavelength (Ag-K_α1), a very sensitive x-ray detector, and it provides a very low instrumental background signal. In this way, the so-called total scattering function S(Q) can be accessed, which contains information about both the order and the disorder in a sample. This enables us to determine the pair distribution function (PDF) which discloses local structural properties – even in materials that are essentially amorphous. The PDF-analysis goes beyond conventional powder diffraction experiments and allows addressing questions of basic research as well as applied science. The PDF is, for instance, a powerful tool in the fields energy materials, catalysis, electrochemistry and, more general, in nanoscience.

Importantly, the new instrument will be part of the lab courses at the IFMP! So students at IFMP can learn all about this modern, versatile and powerful experimental technique. Apart from the pair distribution function analysis, students will also have the opportunity to learn about the basics of modern x-ray diffraction, structural phase transition and cryogenics in x-ray science.