The new high-resolution powder diffraction beamline at LNLS

Full text. The construction of a dedicated high-resolution powder diffraction beamline is scheduled to start in the middle of 2001. X-ray optics has been designed to optimize the intensity incident on a typical sample while enhancing the parallel nature of the x-ray beam. In order to allow for anomalous diffraction measurements, the optics is required to be easily tuned from one absorption edge to another. The beamline will take advantage of a 720 mm long Rh pre-monochromator x-ray mirror produced by Zeiss. This will improve the already very narrow angular distribution of the monochromatic beam as well as concentrate more intensity into the sample volume. The double crystal monochromator (DCM) will consist of a temperature controlled water cooled silicon crystal, designed to perform reliably for the high power loads that will be present when the LNLS synchrotron current increases to the future projected levels. The second crystal of the DCM consists of a curved silicon crystal and will produce a horizontally focus at the sample position. Samples will be aligned in a multi-rotation axis diffractometer produced by Huber. Samples will be able to be brought to low as well as high temperatures ( 10-1300 K) by means of a high temperature furnace and a closed cycle helium cryostat. (author)