Spectroscopic investigation of Kα doublet splitting in iron via X-Ray diffraction

2025-06-02T12:20:09+05:00

This study investigates the characteristic X-ray spectra of iron using Bragg diffraction with a LiF crystal and a goniometer setup. The primary objective was to measure the wavelengths of K-series spectral lines, resolve fine structure in higher-order diffraction, and compare experimental results with theoretical values. Using a Cu X-ray tube and Geiger-Müller detector, spectra were recorded for both first- and second-order diffraction. In the first-order diffraction, clear Kα and Kβ peaks were observed at wavelengths of 194.7 pm and 176.6 pm, respectively. In the second-order diffraction, finer resolution enabled the separation of the Kα line into Kα₁ and Kα₂ components, with a measured splitting of 0.38 pm and an intensity ratio of 1.9, closely matching theoretical expectations. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of X-ray diffraction in analyzing atomic structure and validating quantum predictions. The experiment successfully addressed the research objective and highlighted the importance of high-resolution spectral measurements in identifying atomic energy transitions. Limitations include instrumental resolution and background noise, which may affect the precision of peak detection. Future work could focus on improving spectral resolution and extending the analysis to other elements or detector types.

Structural analysis of NaCl and CsCl via Debye–Scherrer powder diffraction

2025-06-11T16:26:26+05:00

This study investigates the crystal structures of sodium chloride and caesium chloride through powder X-ray diffraction using the Debye-Scherrer method. The primary objective was to determine lattice types, calculate lattice constants, and estimate the number of atoms per unit cell based on experimental diffraction ring data. Powdered samples were exposed to X-rays, and the resulting ring patterns were analyzed to assign Miller indices and derive interplanar spacings. The evaluation of ring positions and intensities revealed that sodium chloride crystallizes in a face-centered cubic structure, while caesium chloride adopts a body-centered cubic arrangement. The calculated lattice constants were 562.0 pm for sodium chloride and 409.6 pm for caesium chloride, both in good agreement with standard reference values. Additionally, the number of atoms per unit cell was determined to be approximately four for sodium chloride and two for caesium chloride, consistent with their respective crystal symmetries. The study confirms the reliability of basic X-ray diffraction techniques for structural identification in ionic solids and highlights distinct diffraction trends corresponding to different cubic symmetries. These findings reinforce the effectiveness of the Debye-Scherrer approach in crystallographic education and rapid phase analysis, while also identifying opportunities for enhanced resolution through extended exposure or high-intensity sources.

Technobius Physics

Spectroscopic investigation of Kα doublet splitting in iron via X-Ray diffraction

Structural analysis of NaCl and CsCl via Debye–Scherrer powder diffraction