Development of a New Undergraduate Laboratory Methodology: Real-Time Fast-Scanning X-ray Diffractometry

该项目涉及开发一个前所未有的下一代X射线衍射（XRD）教学实验室。 虽然XRD是材料科学和工程中使用最广泛和依赖的所有分析技术之一，但由于运行典型的X射线扫描所需的时间，它非常难以教授。 因此，大部分的上课时间都是通过获取扫描来消耗的，而对XRD数据的任何在线实时分析都是不可能的。 通过该项目，开发了一种新的XRD系统，用于通过使用具有位置敏感探测器的高速采集能力的X射线发生器对晶体结构进行实时分析。 XRD硬件通过基于PC的工程工作站局域网连接到分析软件和数据库，以提供XRD数据和晶体结构的在线实时分析。 通过这种方式，基本上减少了教导XRD的主要困难，即获取扫描所需的时间。 这种方法彻底改变了XRD的教学，因为本科生第一次可以接触到涉及XRD方法的高级研究。

This project involves the development of a never-before-possible, next-generation lab for the teaching of x-ray diffraction (XRD). Although XRD is one of the most heavily used and depended upon of all analytical techniques in materials science and engineering, it has been extremely difficult to teach because of the time needed to run a typical x-ray scan. Hence, most of the class period is consumed by acquiring a scan, while any on-line, real-time analysis of the XRD data is impossible. Through this project, a new XRD system is developed for real-time analysis of crystallographic structures by using an x-ray generator with the high-speed acquisition capabilities of a position sensitive detector. The XRD hardware is linked to analysis software and databases by way of a local area network of PC-based engineering workstations to provide on-line, real-time analysis of XRD data and crystal structures. In this way, the major difficulty in teaching XRD, namely, the time needed to acquire a scan, is substantially diminished. This method revolutionizes the teaching of XRD because extended exposure to advanced studies involving XRD methodologies is available to undergrads for the first time.