Modernization of an X-Ray Physics Laboratory Program for Undergraduates

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Xavier University will upgrade and update the x-ray physics component of the atomic physics laboratory program taken by physics, applied physics, and physics concentration education majors. By replacing an aging and obsolete x-ray tube power supply with a modern, high-power, highly stabilized and regulated DC high-voltage power supply for the generation of x-rays, significant improvements in x-ray diffraction experiments using cameras and diffractometrers will be achieved. By adding a timer and a counter to the data acquisition system and interfacing system to a computer, students will be able to perform experiments using modern digital techniques. The new power supply and new instrumentation will improve the way students perform existing experiments: Bragg diffraction, back-Laue reflection, and diffractometry. In addition it will make possible new experiments, for example the measurement of x-ray line intensities and intensity ratios and the study of line shapes and fine structure, as well as the computerizing of data acquisition in all experiments. Finally, the new instrumentation will provide a reliable x-ray system for student research projects.