Focal construct geometry – a novel approach to the acquisition of diffraction data

Abstract

This paper presents the first use of a simple novel geometry that enables the measurement of diffractograms from polycrystalline materials through linear translation of a point detector. The geometry is such that intensities from all points around any Debye ring are summed to a single point, and thus coherently scattered X-rays are harvested efficiently. Data from initial experimental verification of the approach used in transmission mode are presented and the diffractograms compared with their equivalent measured using a pencil beam. Brief discussions of potential modifications in reflection geometry and applications for fibre samples are also provided.