Texture analysis by neutron diffraction

Neutron diffraction has turned out to be an effective tool in texture analysis for metal as well as for geological samples. The advantages are mainly due to the low absorption of neutrons by matter, allowing to measure complete pole figures on large, coarse-grained and multiphase samples. The experimental techniques performed on the four-circle diffractometer at the research reactor FRJ-2 in Juelich are described. Examples are given for several metallic specimen and rocks. The forthcoming installation of a position-sensitive detector will highly improve the efficiency of the diffractometer system. Combined with profile analysis methods, texture analyses can be extended to low-symmetry and to multiphase samples. This is of special interest in geosciences. (author) 10 refs., 7 figs