A triple-axis/four-circle diffractometer at the beam line BL-3A of the Photon Factory

Abstract

A triple-axis/four-circle diffractometer was newly designed and installed in the experimental station BL-3A of the Photon Factory. The station is currently used for multipurpose works such as diffraction, scattering, and absorption in the x-ray region both for basic and applied research. The diffractometer consists of three different types of goniometers: (1) a four-circle goniometer having a high-precision ω axis and a large, off-centered χ circle to mount various apparatuses such as an electric furnace and a helium cryostat; (2) a two-circle goniometer for crystal analyzers; and (3) a two-circle goniometer for collimators. ‘‘Dynamic’’ studies at high temperatures and microarea diffraction studies are possible by using a highly focused x-ray beam provided by a mirror-monochromator system in BL-3A. Furthermore, the combination of the high precision diffractometer and the well-collimated beam makes possible such experiments as high energy and/or momentum resolution measurements, ultrasmall angle scattering, and diffuse scattering.