Pyroelectric crystal-based X-ray diffractometer

Abstract

We investigate the use of an Amptek Cool-X X-ray Generator for an instructional tool in the physics of x-rays, as well as a source for x-rays for crystal diffraction experiments. The x-ray source is a solid-state two-phase air-cooled source with a time-varying photon output. Two detectors are used in this experiment, the first being an Amptek X-123 Spectrometer and the second a combination scintillator/Polaroid film setup. We collimate the x-ray beam and determine that the system, although low flux and low resolution, will function as a quick and easy tool for the investigation of x-ray physics.