Discover the Beam Line Centre’s imaging and diffraction facilities. Explore each instrument and open its brochure for further information.
Micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (µXCT) is a non-destructive technique that uses X-rays to investigate components for the qualitative and quantitative 3D visualisation of features. The µXCT system achieves high resolution (5 µm) for samples smaller than 10 mm, and lower resolution (up to 127 µm) for samples larger than 170 mm.
The PITSI instrument enables medium-resolution neutron powder diffraction capability for the study of atomic and magnetic phenomena in solid and powdered polycrystalline materials. It is specifically equipped with a radial oscillating collimator that enables insertion of in-situ sample environments for low- and high-temperature studies.
D8 Discover is a high-resolution X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The interaction of the probing X-ray radiation with the atomic planes in crystalline materials is captured in characteristic patterns, with peak intensities related to the chemical composition and peak positions to the interatomic spacing. This, in conjunction with shallow penetration of X-rays, enables studying of near-surface characteristics to depths of 20 µm into metals, and deeper for less-dense, low atomic number materials.
By combining the superior penetrating capabilities of neutrons with high-precision instrument control, data acquisition and analyses systems, the diffraction instrument Materials Probe for Internal Strain Investigations (MPISI) provides a valuable analysis technique for cutting-edge research in materials engineering and related scientific disciplines.
The Bruker D8 Advance powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD) is implemented at Necsa for the characterisation of crystalline materials. The diffraction patterns produced by the interaction of X-rays with the atomic planes offer valuable insights into the material’s properties. As each crystalline chemical phase has a unique diffraction pattern, analyses enable identification of the chemical content in multi-phased/composition samples. Both qualitative and quantitative composition, crystallinity percentage, and grain size analyses are routinely done.
