X-ray Diffraction Laboratory (XRD)
Who we are
X-ray diffraction is the most common technique to determine the arrangement of atoms in bulk microcrystalline films and solids. The XRD laboratory hosts 10 diffractometers and 20 processing computers with dedicated software and diffraction databases supporting hundreds of trained users from UNSW and external clients. We offer comprehensive X-ray diffraction and scattering analyses using a range of X-ray sources and measurement geometries. Our technical team is proficient in various XRD technologies and has excellent knowledge and skills for handling complex analysis.
Capabilities
Instruments
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The Empyreans are 4 general purpose X-ray diffractometers (XRD) with various X-ray sources used for determining structure in microcrystalline powders and thin-films.
1.Panalytical Empyrean 1 Cu Powder XRD
3 kW Cu anode for general purpose measurements2.Panalytical Empyrean 1 Cu Powder XRD
3 kW Co anode for samples that fluoresce with Cu3.Panalytical Empyrean 3 Ag Powder XRD
3 kW Ag anode for capillary and PDF measurements4. Panalytical Empyrean 4 Cu Powder XRD
3 kW Cu anode for general purpose measurements -
The Panalytical Xpert Materials Research diffractometer (MRD) system is a flexible X-ray diffraction system for analysis of thin films, nano-structures, semiconductor materials, stresses and textures.
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General purpose benchtop X-ray diffractometer (XRD) for determining structure in microcrystalline powders.
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The D8 Discover is a flexible thin-film instrument with a powerful rotating copper anode X-ray source producing higher X-ray flux at your sample than is possible with the sealed X-ray sources on the other instruments.
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The D8 Discover is a flexible thin-film instrument with a powerful rotating copper anode X-ray source producing higher X-ray flux at your sample than is possible with the sealed X-ray sources on the other instruments.
Our people
Fees
UNSW staff and students enjoy a subsidised flat rate of $35/hour for self-operation.
Client service fees are determined by the complexity and time required. Examples include:
- Phase Identification: $105 per sample
- Quantitative Analysis: $210 per sample (requires elemental analysis results, e.g., XRF)
For further details or enquiries, please contact saroj.bhattacharyya@unsw.edu.au.
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XRD Consulting Services Rate ($/sample) Additional cost Notes General Phase Identification (Phase numbers are less than 6) $105 Sample quantity 1-5 grams General Phase Identification (Phase numbers are less than 6) $165 Sample quantity < 0.5 gram (capillary stage) Clay and Rocks Phase Identification $140 $30/sample (if crushing required) Elemental analysis result is prerequisite Quantitative analysis (Rietveld refinement $210 $70/hour if sample preparation required Elemental analysis result is pre-requisite; sample quantity >10 grams Quantitative analysis with provided scan and XRF result $105 - XRD Consulting Services
- General Phase Identification (Phase numbers are less than 6)
- Rate ($/sample)
- $105
- Additional cost
- Notes
- Sample quantity 1-5 grams
- XRD Consulting Services
- General Phase Identification (Phase numbers are less than 6)
- Rate ($/sample)
- $165
- Additional cost
- Notes
- Sample quantity < 0.5 gram (capillary stage)
- XRD Consulting Services
- Clay and Rocks Phase Identification
- Rate ($/sample)
- $140
- Additional cost
- $30/sample (if crushing required)
- Notes
- Elemental analysis result is prerequisite
- XRD Consulting Services
- Quantitative analysis (Rietveld refinement
- Rate ($/sample)
- $210
- Additional cost
- $70/hour if sample preparation required
- Notes
- Elemental analysis result is pre-requisite; sample quantity >10 grams
- XRD Consulting Services
- Quantitative analysis with provided scan and XRF result
- Rate ($/sample)
- $105
- Additional cost
- Notes
How to access
To book a consultation or schedule training for Powder XRD or thin-film XRD, please email us at xrdlab@unsw.edu.au.
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To start the onboarding process, simply sign up to UNSW's ACLS booking system (button below). Once registered you can choose X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory from the list of facilities to reserve time on the instruments.
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Once you have completed the registration, you'll get an email detailing the next steps for onboarding. This email will include a link to a form where you can describe your project. Based on your needs, we will tailor a team to meet with you and address your requirements.
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During this meeting, we will explain how to gain access to our lab space and what training will be required. Additionally, we will discuss your research project to match you with the most suitable instrument for your research question.
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Access will be granted once you complete your online lab induction and receive in-person training from our staff on all relevant instruments. Our training is thorough and designed to accommodate individuals who have no prior experience with technical equipment.
Important information
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- Samples must be finely ground to powders.
- A minimum quantity of 10 grams is required.
- Additional costs may apply for preparation.
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Detection limit: < 0.5 wt%.
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- Analysis is based on the ICDD database, which is updated annually.
- Semi-quantitative analysis is free of charge if the RIR value is available in the database.
- Accuracy cannot be guaranteed for semi-quantitative analysis results.
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- For x-ray fluorescence elemental analysis, please contact the XRF Laboratory within MWAC.
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- Phase ID: 5 working days.
- Quantitative analysis: 10 working days.
- Clients will be informed in advance if deadlines cannot be met due to high workload.
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- Samples will not be kept after analysis.
- Notify lab staff if sample return is required.
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Contact lab staff for any special requests.
Contact us
X-ray Diffraction Laboratory
Room G61
F10 June Griffith Building (Chemical Sciences)
UNSW Sydney NSW 2033
Phone: 02 9385 4693
Email: xrdlab@unsw.edu.au
We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.
Resources
XRD working after hours policy
- Format
- Size
- 123 KB
Get in touch about your project
We offer a range of services that can be tailored to your needs. Please send us an enquiry to get started.
