Photonic Science Laue

Here we cover basic usage of our new Photonic Science Grain Map Laue. The manuals for the equipment are available as pdfs within the folder on the desktop of the control computer. Please keep in mind that this is a flexible set up in which different configurations can be used at the sample position. Consequently, it is possible to collide the sample stack into the camera!

Aligning a sample

  1. Open the Kevex X-ray Source Control Interface and check whether the tube will switch on at 60 kV 133 uA or whether it requires Tube Conditioning. Leave the x-rays off for now unless you need to condition the tube. If you need to condition the tube run System > Pick the fastest listed conditioning option and then hit “on”.
  2. Open PSViewer via the desktop link and bring up the translation and rotation stage windows via PSViewer > Tools > Stage Control > Zager Stage Control and PSViewer > Tools > Stage Control > Newport Stage Control. Home both these stages via the “HOME” buttons. Ensure the blue plastic holder (and not the southbay goniometer) is mounted and that the aluminum gonio-stop is in place. Set the upper limit in z to 55 mm.
  3. Open PSViewer > Tools > Macro Control. Load and execute the LOAD_POSITION macro from the desktop folder to move the sample stack to the front of the enclosure. Mount the sample.
  4. Run the VIEWCAM_POSITION macro.
  5. Open the small camera for viewing the sample via PSViewer > Camera > DeviceCamera and the laser distance finder via PSViewer > Tools > Distance Sensor
  6. Translate the sample under the laser spot. Measure the sample height with the laser. The real sample-detector distance will be the measured distance plus 7.8 mm, so setting a height of 32.2 mm will give a standard 40 mm sample-detector distance.
  7. Run the LAUE_POSITION_REL macro to move the desired spot under the x-rays.

Measure a sample

  1. Align the sample as described in the Aligning a sample section above.
  2. Set 60 keV 133 mA on the Kevex X-ray Source Control Interface.
  3. Open PSViewer > Camera > DualFHS. Start with, for example, 5x5 binning and 2 s exposure. From here, you are free to explore the sample alignment and uniformity.
  4. Sample rotations are available via Tools > Stage Control > NEWPORT.

Raster scan a sample

If desired, one can systematically raster scan a sample. Download our code here and copy it to a new folder in My Documents.

Setup.ipynb

Generate files to perform a grid scan

  • coords.text - X, Y points to scan
  • scan.txt - macro to execute scan
  • LaueSubmacro.txt - helper file defining how to save images

View.ipynb

  • Explore images