Constructing an X-Ray Diffractometer for the Analysis of Thin Metal Films at Houghton University
Date
2025-05-05
Authors
Fall, Owen D.
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Houghton University
Abstract
Houghton University is making an X-ray diffractometer to analyze thin metal films. X-rays are produced in a Norelco diffraction tube and detected by a Vernier Geiger tube. The angular positions of the detector and sample are controlled by stepper motors driving around a semicircular stage and are monitored by two rotary encoders each. The motors rotate at 0.68 m°/step, and there are 22.5 m°/encoder position. The sample is aligned to the axis of rotation with a linear stage. A Teensy 4.1 microcontroller controls the system via a Processing interface. Motor and encoder tests found that the angular distance between encoder positions is not uniform. An array of the number of steps between each encoder position was made for the sample and detector, which allows their angular position to be precisely known.
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