Standard Operating Procedure:
Bruker D8 Discover X-Ray Diffractometer
(You MUST be trained by an authorized BSCMC trainer to use this instrument)
Hazards:
This unit produces a high intensity X-ray beam. Take all precautions to avoid exposure to the x-rays.
Warning:
Beryllium! Do not touch the front window of either detector as they both contain Beryllium. Fumes
of the dust from Beryllium and its compounds can be hazardous if inhaled!
Typical Experiment Sequence:
1.
Sign in on the iLab electronic calendar
2.
Visually check the diffractometer for instrument status.
3.
Open the cooling water valves and turn the x-ray generator ON.
4.
Launch the
D8Tools
software to check the system status and ramp the power up.
5.
Launch the operating software:
a.
GADDS
for use with the HI-STAR area detector
b.
Commander
for use with the Scintillation detector.
6.
Check the x-ray beam intensity
7.
Load and align sample
a.
Use the
Laser-Video System
with
GADDS
and the HI-STAR area detector
b.
Use a Z-scan and half intensity method or the
Laser-Video System
with
Commander
and the Scintillation detector.
8.
Set up scan and save data.
9.
Remove sample, reduce power, turn the generator off and shut off the cooling water
10.
Be sure that the iLab calendar accurately displays the number of hours the XRD was
OCCUPIED by your experiment.
