Diffraction
Necsa’s diffraction facilities use complementary X-ray and neutron techniques to investigate crystalline materials non-destructively at the atomic scale—approximately 10⁻¹⁰ meters. These techniques provide information about crystallographic structure, phase composition, residual stress, texture and magnetic ordering.
X-rays are suited to near-surface and localised analysis, while the greater penetration depth of neutrons enables bulk and depth-resolved investigations. Neutrons can also be used to study magnetic structures and interactions.
Research and Industrial Applications
The facilities support academic research, industrial projects and technology development in areas such as:
- Materials development
- Additive manufacturing, coatings and welding
- Performance-enhancement processes, including shot peening, laser peening and autofrettage
- Nuclear fuels, structural components and waste materials
- Energy technologies, including next-generation batteries
Services
Necsa provides the following diffraction services:
- Qualitative and quantitative phase analysis
- Residual-stress measurement
- Crystallographic-texture analysis
- Analysis of crystallographic phases and phase transitions
- Studies of magnetic ordering and magnetic phase transitions
- Data processing and interpretation
Instruments
Detailed descriptions of the instruments together with example applications are available at the following links:
- Materials Probe for Internal Strain Investigations (MPISI) — Neutron strain scanning and texture analysis
- Powder Instrument for Transition in Structure Investigations (PITSI) — Neutron powder diffraction and in-situ studies of crystallographic and magnetic transitions. PITSI supports in-situ temperature studies from approximately 1.5 K to 1 800 K.
- Bruker D8 Discover — X-Ray strain scanning, residual-stress measurement and texture analysis
- Bruker D8 Advance — X-Ray powder diffraction and phase analysis
Training and Research Support
The Diffraction section collaborates with higher-education and research institutions and supports graduate and postgraduate training. Instrument scientists assist users with experimental planning, instrument selection, data analysis and interpretation.
Access to the Facilities
Academic applications are evaluated on scientific merit, while industrial work is undertaken through contract-research arrangements. Prospective users should contact the relevant instrument scientist to discuss project feasibility and availability before applying through the BLC User Office.