| 摘要 |
An unrestricted motion device (10) has a sample holder (12), a detector holder (14) capable of independent multi-dimensional movement, a radiation source (16) and a radiation source holder (42) also capable of independent, multi-dimensional movement. In a preferred embodiment, the radiation source (16) is an x-ray tube. A controller (18) is connected to the sample holder (12) and detector holder (14) as well as to radiation source (16) so as to enable control of the independent movement of the sample holder (12) and detector holder (14), as well as operation of radiation source (16) and independent movement of radiation source (16). So long as any two of the sample holder (12), detector holder (14) or radiation source holder (42) are capable of multi-dimensional, independent movement, the entire diffraction cone (40) can be observed and analyzed. In a preferred embodiment, the holders are robots. Samples 34 of any size, weight or shape are hereby capable of analysis simply and easily and further, by means of controller (18), local amendment, modification, and customizing of the data collection scheme is enabled. By replacing the prior art goniometer (46) with individual independent robots, such that the sample holder (12) is not physically attached or coupled to the robot moving the detector (36) or the robot moving the radiation source (16), the restrictions on sample size, weight and shape are removed. Also, restrictions on coverage of reciprocal space are greatly reduced since the detector (36), radiation source (16) and/or sample holder (12) can be moved out of plane to any location in the robot's accessible envelope of reach. Also, the need for numerous sample holders (12) capable of different axial motions is eliminated and automatic sample changing and tube changing from point to line mode is enabled.
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