Our research revolves around analyzing the structure and properties of crystalline solids. We study materials that have interesting properties and potential applications as part of applied research projects as well as new materials as part of our fundamental science programs.

The main tool used for structure determination is X-ray and neutron diffraction. Below are a few examples of materials where diffraction has been used to solve a technological problem.

Available methods

The labs in Aarhus are equipped with a range of state-of-the-art instruments for both powder X-ray diffraction and single crystal diffraction.

Single-crystal diffraction:

Two single crystal diffractometers are available. The first is a Bruker kappa goniometer with a Bruker APEX II CCD detector and an Incoatec Microfocus Ag source. The second is an Agilent Supernova instrument with an Atlas CCD and a Mo micro-focus source. Both instruments are equipped with Oxford Cryosystems Cryostream Plus enabling temperatures in the range 80-500 K. Both setups can accept diamond anvil cells for high-pressure experiments.

Powder diffraction:

Three different powder X-ray diffractometers are available. For speedy phase-identification purposes a STOE fixed-stage powder diffractometer with a curved IP-detector and a Cu source can collect full data sets in as little as a few minutes. For more detailed and/or specialized studies a pair of Rigaku Smartlabs are available. These very versatile high-resolution diffractometers use high intensity rotating anode X-ray sources (Cu and Co respectively). Specific sample environments are available for e.g. thin films, nanomaterials, powders, or liquids, which allows for a wide range of experiments to be performed.

In addition to these instruments, we often use instruments at synchrotron and neutron sources around the world. The advantage of using synchrotron radiation over laboratory sources is manly the intensity, which is many orders of magnitude higher. This allows us to use smaller samples or do more detailed experiments.

Contact

For more information about the initial tests, projects, and collaborations please contact: