The application of a curved graphite crystal monochromator to X-ray diffractometry

The design, function and application of a curved crystal graphite monochromator in X-ray diffractometry are reviewed. By further diffraction of the primary diffracted X-ray beam, the crystal removes unwanted radiation, including K-beta and other target lines and fluorescent or scattered radiation from the sample, with the result that signal-to-background ratios are significantly improved. Recorder scans and signal-to-noise data are presented for a variety of chemical compounds, including an ash deposit from a ship's boiler, to illustrate the effectiveness of the monochromator in the analytical application of X-ray diffractometry.