TSX-PLUS Multi-Tasking Upgrade for the Nicolet L-11 Powder Diffraction System

In August of 1982, a single-user, dual-translator, automated powder diffraction system was purchased by the Denver Research Institute for use on project work in the Chemical and Materials Sciences Division. Within a short period of time, the system had already become saturated with users. Scheduling conflicts arose around the need for one user to be reducing data while another was acquiring or the need of a user to begin a data collection run on one goniometer after another had already been started. In view of these problems, an answer was sought in the form of hardware and software changes which would allow many users access to the system simultaneously, either for the purpose of data collection, data reduction or program development. A low-cost, minimum impact solution was eventually found which we feel, has significantly increased the utility of the basic L-11 system without sacrificing either flexibility or speed.

Practical Applications of Filters in X-Ray Spectrography

Applications of filters are routine and useful techniques in X-ray diffraction and.can also be useful in X-ray spectrography to improve analytical results with very simple procedures. Fankuchen demonstrated the use of filters over the window of the X-ray tube to minimize background from the target element and/or elements in other components of the X-ray tube in research programs at the X-ray- Laboratory, Metallurgy Division, Denver Research Institute during the summer of 1952. This general procedure has been adapted to routine analyses by modification of the spectrograph to provide for movement of filters in and out of position between the window of the X-ray tube and the sample while the instrument is in operation. Placement of filters in the X-ray beam path of the spectrograph between the sample and the analyzing crystal is also a useful procedure to reduce interferences by elements exhibiting lines at closely adjacent wavelengths.

Recent Developments in Fluorescent X-Ray Spectrographic-Absorptiometric Analyses of Mineral Systems

Fluorescent x-ray speorographic studies of mineral systems were begun in the Metallurgy Division of the Denver Research Institute in 1953. These studies were concerned with several techniques but the primary research emphasis was placed on a method involving conjunctive analyses by monochromatic x-ray absorptiometry and fluorescent x-ray spectrography.Experimental data for mineral systems with wide variations in matrix compositions exhibit departures from simple calibration curves relating intensity and concentration for an element in a series of samples analyzed by simple fluorescent x-ray spectrographic procedures.Absorptiometric measurements are made with a thin layer of the mineral sample as an absorption filter for the monochromatic x-rays emitted by the element in question. The results of these measurements provide information for improvement of the simple correlation of intensity and concentration by manipulation of the experimental data with various operations based on Beer's law of radiation absorption.The results of work at the Denver Research Institute indicated the feasibility of the fluorescent x-ray spectrographic-absorptiometric method and the current work is an extension of the study of basic fundamentals, mechanical factors and practical applications of the technique.