Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 March 2019
A design is described for a variable-temperature diffractometer specimen mount developed internally in the Physics Laboratory of Materials Central. Temperature capability of 1600°C is achieved using Indirect radiation heating. Higher temperatures may be obtained by directly heating the sample. An adaptation allows operation at temperatures as low as −196°C and is useful for studying low-temperature phase changes and examining materials normally liquid at room temperature. The mount operates in vacuum or inert atmosphere. A full 180° 2θ scanning range is possible through the use of curved beryllium- or aluminum-foil windows. Realignment of the sample at temperature and under vacuum may be accomplished from four points around the front plate of the mount. Only two vacuum seals are used In this mount in addition to the window seal and thermocouple seals. Power for the mount is high current, low voltage, and is controlled by an automatic temperature regulator and sensing device which maintains an accurate preset temperature.
Applications of variable temperature techniques on refractory metals, alloys, and compounds are shown, along with an example of low-temperature effects in materials normally liquid at room temperature.