ENERGY-DISPERSIVE DIFFRACTION WITH SYNCHROTRON RADIATION - OPTIMIZATION OF THE TECHNIQUE FOR DYNAMIC STUDIES OF TRANSFORMATIONS

Energy-dispersive powder diffraction can be optimized to suit particular studies and carry out measurements delivering the required information with an ease that cannot be matched by other techniques. Starting from the basic theory, factors such as resolution, scattering angle, beam geometry, sample geometry and electronics are considered in the context of the optimization and performance of the technique for dynamic diffraction studies. The examples chosen to illustrate the discussion are drawn from a wide range of studies which includes the hydration of high-alumina cements, the high-temperature synthesis of zirconia and the high-temperature crystallization of metallic glasses. These cover the use of reflection and transmission geometries, single and multiple diffracted beams, thin and thick samples and various scattering angles and energies.