Multi-scale and time-resolved structure analysis of relaxor ferroelectric crystals under an electric field

The electric field responses of the average and local lattice strains and polar nanoregions of relaxor ferroelectric PMN-30PT single crystals were revealed by multi-scale and time-resolved X-ray diffraction under DC and AC electric fields.

Sheet-on-sheet fixed target data collection devices for serial crystallography at synchrotron and XFEL sources

Fixed targets (`chips') offer efficient, high-throughput microcrystal delivery for serial crystallography at synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs). Within this family, sheet-on-sheet (SOS) chips offer noteworthy advantages in cost, adaptability, universality and ease of crystal loading. We describe our latest generation of SOS devices, which are now in active use at both synchrotrons and XFELs.

Duality of spaces and the origin of integral reflection conditions

The reciprocal of a non-primitive unit cell is not a unit cell and the basis vectors do not correspond to cell lengths.

Understanding secondary order parameters in perovskites with tilted octahedra

A symmetry guide for the secondary structural degrees of freedom and related physical properties generated by tilts of BX₆ octahedra in perovskites is proposed.

Optimizing crucible geometry to improve the quality of AlN crystals by the physical vapor transport method

The growth quality of AlN single crystals was improved by optimizing the crucible structure for Al vapor transport with the help of finite element simulation.

The smearing function for a multi-slit very small angle neutron scattering instrument

This study validates the feasibility of applying a smearing method for the multi-slit very small angle neutron scattering instrument (MS-VSANS) at the China Spallation Neutron Source. Through analysis limited to a vertical range of 8 mm, the study demonstrates consistency between the predicted smearing function and experimental data, marking a significant milestone in utilizing real data from such instruments.

Integrating machine learning interatomic potentials with hybrid reverse Monte Carlo structure refinements in RMCProfile

New software capabilities in RMCProfile allow researchers to study the structure of materials by combining machine learning interatomic potentials and reverse Monte Carlo.

Mapping domain structures near a grain boundary in a lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric film using X-ray nanodiffraction

Direct measurements have been taken of nanoscale domain structure in ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate around a grain boundary. Characterizing the evolution of this structure under an electric field is critical for predicting dielectric and piezoelectric response.

Animations, videos and 3D models for teaching space-group symmetry

Animations, videos and 3D models have been designed to visualize the effects of symmetry operators on selected cases of crystal structures, pointing out the relationship with the diagrams published in International Tables for Crystallography, Vol. A.

A micro-beamstop with transmission detection by fluorescence for scanning-beam synchrotron scattering beamlines

The correct determination of X-ray transmission at X-ray nanoprobes equipped with small beamstops for small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering collection is an unsolved problem with huge implications for data correction pipelines. We present a cost-effective solution to detect the transmission via the X-ray fluorescence of the beamstop with an avalanche photodiode.