X-Ray Diffraction
The School of Chemistry currently operates two X-ray diffractometers which are used in
undergraduate and postgraduate teaching as well as for chemical research.
What is X-Ray Diffraction?
X-ray crystallography is an analytical method used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of
a crystal. It works by crystalline atoms causing a beam of incident X-rays to diffract into many specific
directions. The angles and intensities of these diffracted beams are measured and a threedimensional picture of the density of electrons within the crystal can be established. The electron
densities provide the mean positions of the atoms and bonds in the crystal can be determined.
Inel Equinox 6000 Powder X-Ray Diffractometer
The Equinox 6000 is a multi-purpose X-ray
diffractometer designed specifically for high level
research applications. The system utilizes a
unique tall vertical goniometer
in θ/θ or θ/2θ mode with an attached high
precision Eulerian cradle. It is the perfect
diffraction system for materials science including
thin layer analysis, reflectometry, micro
diffraction, residual stress analysis, texture
measurements. Data is measured in “real time”,
which present many advantages in kinetics
experiments or combined analyses.
Features

Texture and Stress applications

4-circle goniometer

Monochromator Optic, collimator system

Generator 3500 Watts
Contact
andrea.erxleben@nuigalway.ie and
patrick.mcardle@nuigalway.ie
XCaliber S Single Crystal X-Ray Diffractometer
Single-crystal X-ray Diffraction is a non-destructive analytical
technique which provides detailed information about the internal
lattice of crystalline substances, including unit cell dimensions, bondlengths, bond-angles, and details of site-ordering. Directly related is
single-crystal refinement, where the data generated from the X-ray
analysis is interpreted and refined to obtain the crystal structure.
Features

Enhanced Mo source (3 kW)

50kV, 40 mA, 2 kW (max. output)

Sapphire 2 CCDC Detector
Contact
andrea.erxleben@nuigalway.ie
patrick.mcardle@nuigalway.ie