High-temperature X-ray diffraction furnace using a thermal-image technique

A vertical float zoner combined with thermal imaging is uniquely suited to investigation of high-temperature noncontaminating melts by X-ray diffraction. Radiation from a halogen lamp is focused on the sintered-powder rods by means of the gold-plated internal surface of an ellipsoidal shell. This image furnace can easily be mounted on a conventional horizontal type of powder diffractometer, provides atmosphere control, and permits rapid heating and cooling. A temperature of 1700°C can readily be reached. The presence of a gap for the passage of X-rays solves the problem of X-ray absorption by window materials, and sufficient lateral length of the gap allows X-ray measurement over a wide diffraction range.