Staff members:

Mgr. František Laufek (head),
  tel.: +420 251 085 210, email:frantisek.laufek(a)geology.cz

Mgr. Magdaléna Koubová, Ph.D.
  tel.: +420 251 085 210, email:magdalena.koubova(a)geology.cz

Irena Haladová
  tel.: +420 251 24, email: irena.haladova(a)geology.cz

X-ray diffraction

Beginning with the pioneering experiments conducted in 1913 and 1914, X-ray diffraction has become an important tool for studying minerals. Today it is a standard technique in many laboratories that is capable of providing a wealth of information in areas such as phase identification, crystal structure analysis, quantitative analyses, strain measurement, particle size determination, etc.

Laboratory of X-ray diffraction

In the last decade, significant progress has been achieved in the analytical service, development of new methods and publication activity. Perhaps the most significant change was the purchase of the new powder diffractometer Philips X’pert System. This diffractometer is automated and interfaced to a computer to analyze data quickly and easily. Simultaneously, because of availability of more powerful computers and new generations of computer software, numerous advances were made in the analysis of data including phase identification and Rietveld refinement of crystal structures.

At present, the Laboratory (as one of the first of its kind in the Czech Republic) is affiliated with the Centre for Molecular and Crystal Structures at the Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague. The employees of the Laboratory have continual access to a modern four-circle diffractometer with the CCD detector

Equipment

• powder diffractometer Philips X’Pert MPD system (Bragg-Brentano reflecting geometry, vertical goniometer PW 3020)
• Nonius Guinier Camera
• STOE precession camera

Projects

• Rietveld analysis and solution of crystal structures from powder diffraction data
• description of new mineral phases
• application of experimental mineralogy to the Te containing systems
• phase identification of geological materials, identification of clays minerals