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Geology and Geophysics |
YALE (GEOLOGY & GEOPHYSICS) X-Ray Diffraction LABORATORY, KGL 321
Kline Geology Laboratory, P.O. Box 208109, New Haven, CT 06520-8109
We invite your interest in the use of our facility described here. If you have an interest or any questions, please contact Jim Eckert using the information at the bottom of this page. However, please note that the lab schedules often preclude an especially rapid reply; we appreciate your patience and understanding. In regard to scheduling, please note: Operating time may be arranged as available. However, at least 1-week or so advance scheduling always is recommended; longer if any training or operator assistance may be required.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Scheduling "crises", requiring immediate analysis, generally cannot be accommodated on short notice; if possible, please plan ahead. Thank you.
CURRENT STATUS
The current operating status of the X-Ray Diffractometer (currently DOWN with an inoperable chiller) can be found by clicking here. The PC-control upgrade now is in place as the default acquisition and analysis system.
THE X-RAY DIFFRACTOMETER (XRD)
(If you are not generally familiar with XRD, you may wish to click here.)
THE YALE (GEOLOGY & GEOPHYSICS) XRD FACILITY
The Yale University (Geology & Geophysics) XRD facility houses an automated Scintag PAD V diffractometer installed in 1988. This diffractometer includes a two-circle (2-theta, omega) goniometer, Cu target X-Ray tube, and a liquid-nitrogen cooled germanium semiconductor detector. This type of detector enhances signal to noise ratios over those obtained with the standard scintillation detectors. Additional hardware available includes a transmission pole-figure (azimuth scan) sample holder. Jim Eckert is the contact point to answer questions and assist users with all forms of analysis. However, please note that the lab schedules often preclude an especially rapid reply; we appreciate your patience.
Acquisition software, an upgrade of which we completed in 2001, provides the ability to perform step scans (for high precision), transmission pole figures and azimuth scans (both for preferred orientation analysis). Scans are highly customizable, either coupled or with independent control of each individual axis (3 circles). Up to 16 individual zones can be programmed in a single acquisition.
The available data-processing software includes routines to find and fit peaks, remove background, determine integrated peak areas, display and compare spectra graphically, and search the PDF database for matching patterns.
Instrument upgrades installed from 1998-2001 include motor and automation control hardware of Omni Instruments and the associated, Windows-based, acquisition/processing software of Tasker Applications. All these components of the instrument upgrade were supported graciously by NSF grant EAR-9810089 and Yale University.
Information on current hourly rates is available here. We encourage use by both academic and commercial institutions, to make optimal use of the facility. For the Upcoming Schedule, Yale-Geology XRD Calendar, click here
NOTE for New Users: The Radiation Safety Section of OEHS requires that all new XRD users read a manual section on XRD-safety procedures and, along with their advisor, sign a statement indicating they have read and understood the material. Ideally this should precede the start of XRD training. The manual section is available on the OEHS website. The required forms are available in the lab.
The training process we employ is rather direct, comprised initially of proceeding through all steps while you observe, then in the next subsequent session you proceeding through all steps while we observe that you are observing all the relevant procedures and protocols.
A page listing a few other XRD resources and useful links can be found
by clicking here.
Contact:
Please send any comments, questions, or scheduling requests to Jim Eckert. However, please note that the lab schedules often preclude an especially rapid reply and that the electron-microprobe schedule typically constrains availability for consulting, training, scheduling, etc. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Operating time may be arranged as available. However, at least 1.5 or 2-week advance scheduling always is recommended, especially if any training or operator assistance may be required.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Scheduling "crises", requiring immediate analysis, generally cannot be accommodated on short notice; if possible, please plan ahead. Thank you.
JAMES O. ECKERT, JR., Ph.D.
Laboratory Manager, Electron Microprobe and XRD Facilities
Office: KGL 327 Voice: 203-432-3181
Alt.#1 (@probe) 436-9182 Alt.#2 (@XRD) 432-5169 FAX: 203-432-3134
XRD Lab: (203) 432-5169
email: Jim Eckert
