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A six‐axis robotic sample changer for high‐throughput neutron powder diffraction and texture measurements
Author(s) -
Losko Adrian S.,
Vogel Sven C.,
Reiche H. Matthias,
Nakotte Heinz
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of applied crystallography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.429
H-Index - 162
ISSN - 1600-5767
DOI - 10.1107/s1600576714021797
Subject(s) - neutron , neutron diffraction , powder diffractometer , sample (material) , texture (cosmology) , materials science , throughput , neutron imaging , neutron scattering , nuclear engineering , diffractometer , neutron reflectometry , computer science , small angle neutron scattering , optics , diffraction , nuclear physics , physics , engineering , composite material , artificial intelligence , scanning electron microscope , telecommunications , image (mathematics) , thermodynamics , wireless
State‐of‐the‐art neutron time‐of‐flight diffractometers at modern neutron sources allow sample throughput at rates of much less than one hour per sample. Automated sample changes with a high degree of reliability and flexibility are essential to assure safe operation and efficient use of available neutron flux. At the High‐Pressure Preferred Orientation (HIPPO) diffractometer, a previous sample changer measured over 2300 texture and 400 powder samples at ambient conditions to study the properties of crystalline materials at the Lujan neutron scattering facility at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. Experience gained during operation of the sample changer for over a decade showed room for improvement and led to a new design using current industrial robot technology. Here, the new HIPPO versatile six‐axis robotic sample changer for neutron powder diffraction experiments including texture measurements is presented.