Using Cu Kα1/Kα2 Splitting and a Powder XRD System To Discuss X-ray Generation
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N. Stojilovic [1]
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[1] University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, United States
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- Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 95, Nº 4, 2018, págs. 598-600
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
When single crystals are probed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) systems, the peak widths are smaller and signal intensities are greater than those from powdered samples. Instead of the expected single peak, a doublet can be observed, and undergraduate students face a big challenge explaining its origin. This activity is suitable as an inquiry-based, upper-level undergraduate laboratory activity. Students typically engage in an extensive literature search and reading in order to understand observed diffraction data. With a little bit of guidance from the instructor, students can learn how X-rays are generated, and which X-rays are used in PXRD experiments. They can also learn about the electronic transitions in the target electrode leading to characteristic X-rays and learn about the role of spin–orbit coupling.
