A crystal diffraction experiment X-ray collimator

Abstract

This invention relates to an X-ray beam collimator for crystal diffraction experiments. The main body is a stepped structure comprising a thin upper section and a thick lower section. A fixing hole is located in the thin upper section for fixed connection to an external drive motor to drive the main body's movement. A loading hole, a cylindrical blind hole, is located in the thick lower section. The beam control plate is a cylindrical structure made of platinum-iridium alloy, with a small circular hole in its center, into which the beam control plate is fitted. A light-transmitting hole is located at the bottom of the loading hole, its axis collinear with the optical path axis of the coaxial microscope and diffractometer, for allowing the X-ray beam filtered through the small hole to pass through. This invention uses the fixing hole to fix the main body to the motor, enabling the motor to drive the main body's movement; the loading hole holds the beam control plate with different beam size control capabilities; and the light-transmitting hole allows the X-ray beam to pass through the collimator. The structure is simple, with a small size and weight, and can achieve rapid collimation and size control of the X-ray beam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to crystallography research, and more specifically to an X-ray collimator for crystal diffraction experiments. Background Technology

[0002] Crystal diffraction experiments are a core and crucial step in the field of crystal structure analysis. The technical principle is as follows: X-ray beams are used to irradiate crystal samples, causing the X-ray beams to interact with the atoms inside the crystal and produce diffraction phenomena. Then, a detector is used to collect the diffraction signals and convert them into diffraction data. Finally, the crystal structure is analyzed and resolved based on this data, providing core support for basic research and application development in materials science, life sciences and other fields.

[0003] In the actual process of crystal diffraction experiments, the X-ray beam generated by the X-ray source is not completely pure and is usually accompanied by stray X-rays. When these stray X-rays come into contact with the crystal sample, they will form additional stray signals on the detector. These signals will interfere with the identification and acquisition of normal diffraction signals, resulting in a significant reduction in the overall contrast of the diffraction image. This directly affects the accuracy and reliability of the diffraction data and adversely impacts the precision of subsequent crystal structure analysis results.

[0004] To address the interference from stray X-rays, existing technologies commonly employ X-ray beam collimators as the core solution. The core functions of these collimators are twofold: firstly, through their structure and material properties, they block and absorb most stray X-rays, reducing the amount reaching the crystal sample; secondly, the collimator is designed with a specific aperture size, allowing only X-ray beams that meet experimental requirements to pass through, thereby achieving collimation calibration and size control of the X-ray beam, ultimately improving the quality of diffraction images and enhancing the effectiveness of the diffraction data collected by the detector.

[0005] However, existing X-ray beam collimators still have many shortcomings in practical applications, making it difficult to meet the demands of modern crystal diffraction experiments for high efficiency and flexibility. The specific defects are as follows:

[0006] High processing difficulty: The manufacturing process of existing collimators involves complex processing operations, which not only increases the technical threshold of the production process, but also leads to high manufacturing costs, which is not conducive to large-scale application and popularization.

[0007] Poor spatial adaptability: The existing collimator has a large overall size, which puts high requirements on the installation space of the experimental device. In some space-constrained experimental scenarios (such as miniaturized diffractometer systems), its installation and use are significantly limited.

[0008] Lack of Adjustment Flexibility: Existing collimators mostly adopt an integrated structural design, with key functional parameters such as aperture and collimation accuracy fixed after manufacturing, making subsequent modifications or adjustments impossible to meet experimental needs. However, in single crystal diffraction experiments, researchers typically need to make multiple, flexible adjustments to the X-ray beam size to obtain comparative data under different test conditions. The existing integrated collimator design clearly cannot meet this core requirement, greatly limiting the diversity and efficiency of experimental schemes.

[0009] In summary, the inherent defects of existing X-ray collimators in terms of ease of fabrication, spatial adaptability, and adjustment flexibility significantly limit their application in modern crystal diffraction experiments, making it difficult to meet the evolving needs of experimental techniques. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a more structurally superior and higher-performance X-ray collimator solution to address these existing technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0010] In order to solve the problems of poor flexibility in the existing technology, this utility model aims to provide an X-ray collimator for crystal diffraction experiments.

[0011] According to the present invention, an X-ray beam collimator for crystal diffraction experiments includes a main body, a fixing hole, a loading hole, a beam control plate, and a light-transmitting hole. The main body has a stepped structure including a thin upper portion and a thick lower portion. The fixing hole is located in the thin upper portion of the main body and is used to fix and connect to an external drive motor to drive the movement of the main body. The loading hole is located in the thick lower portion of the main body and is a cylindrical blind hole. The beam control plate is a cylindrical structure made of platinum-iridium alloy and has a small circular hole in its center. The beam control plate is fitted into the loading hole. The light-transmitting hole is located at the bottom of the loading hole, and its axis is collinear with the optical path axis of the coaxial microscope and diffractometer, for allowing the X-ray beam filtered by the small hole to pass through.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the main body is made of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or aluminum alloy.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the thin upper portion of the main body is 3-6 mm, and the thickness of the thick lower portion is 8-15 mm.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the fixing hole is two circular through holes, the diameter of which is adapted to the connecting shaft or fastener at the motor output end.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the loading holes are provided in at least two locations and are evenly distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the body.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the aperture of the loading hole and the outer diameter of the beam control sheet are in clearance fit, with a clearance of 0.05-0.1 mm.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the loading hole is the same as the thickness of the beam control sheet.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the apertures in the different beam control plates is different.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the light-transmitting hole is a circular through hole with a diameter of 300μm-1mm.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the aperture is 50μm-300μm, which does not exceed the diameter of the light-transmitting hole.

[0021] According to this invention, the X-ray beam collimator for crystal diffraction experiments is fixedly connected to a motor through a fixing hole, allowing the motor to drive the main body to move; a beam control plate with different beam size control capabilities is loaded through a loading hole; and the X-ray beam passes through the collimator through a light-transmitting hole. The structure is simple, with small size and mass, and can achieve efficient collimation and flexible size control of the X-ray beam, effectively solving the problems of high processing difficulty, poor spatial adaptability, and lack of adjustment flexibility in existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the X-ray collimator for crystal diffraction experiments according to this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the main body.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The rear view of the main body.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the beam control plate.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The front view. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are given below with reference to the accompanying drawings and described in detail.

[0028] The X-ray beam collimator for crystal diffraction experiments according to this invention is applied to the crystal diffraction experimental system of a crystallography beamline station. Its core function is to achieve collimation and size control of the X-ray beam. Specifically, it is installed between the coaxial microscope and the diffractometer of the experimental system to ensure that the X-ray beam is accurately irradiated onto the crystal sample after collimation.

[0029] like Figure 1As shown, the crystal diffraction experimental X-ray collimator according to this utility model includes a main body 1, a fixing hole 2, a loading hole 3, a beam control plate 4, and a light transmission hole 5.

[0030] The main body 1 serves as the basic frame of the collimator, a one-piece machined structure, and is assembled within the optical path system between the coaxial microscope and the diffractometer, acting as the assembly carrier for all functional components. The main body 1 is made of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or aluminum alloy, materials that combine high mechanical strength (providing stable support for other components) with ease of processing (reducing manufacturing difficulty), while also having a moderate density to meet lightweight design requirements. The main body 1 adopts a stepped asymmetrical structure, thicker at the bottom and thinner at the top. The thinner upper section is the "fixed connection area," where the fixing hole 2 is located and connected to the external drive motor. The thicker lower section is the "functional assembly area," where the loading hole 3 is located and the beam control plate 4 is installed. The axis of the light-transmitting aperture 5 within the loading hole 3 is collinear with the optical path axis of the coaxial microscope and diffractometer, ensuring that the X-ray beam can propagate along the axis of the light-transmitting aperture 5. In a preferred embodiment, the upper end is 3-6mm thick to achieve lightweighting, reduce the load during motor drive, and improve adjustment flexibility, while the lower end is 8-15mm thick to meet the depth requirements of the loading hole 3 and prevent the beam control piece 4 from becoming loose.

[0031] Fixing holes 2 are formed on the upper thin part of the main body 1, with two holes arranged vertically to ensure force balance when connected to the motor. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing holes 2 are circular through holes, the diameter of which matches the connecting shaft or fastener (such as a screw) at the output end of the motor. The fixing holes 2 serve as the "connection interface" between the main body 1 and the motor, fixing the main body 1 to the motor with fasteners, allowing the motor to drive the main body 1 to move up and down precisely in the vertical direction, thereby switching the position of different loading holes 3 and adjusting the X-ray beam to enter different loading holes 3.

[0032] Five loading holes 3 are located at the lower, thicker part of the main body 1, arranged vertically and evenly spaced. These holes allow for the simultaneous insertion of five beam control pieces 4 with different central aperture sizes 41, meeting the need for rapid switching between multiple beam sizes in a single experiment. It should be understood that the number of loading holes 3 (five) is merely an example and not a limitation. Each loading hole 3 is a cylindrical blind hole structure with a depth (preferably 2mm-5mm) consistent with the thickness of the beam control piece 4. For example, if the beam control piece 4 is 2mm thick, the loading hole 3 will be 2mm deep, ensuring that the outer end face of the beam control piece 4 is flush with the outer wall of the main body 1 after complete insertion, without protrusion or depression. The aperture of the loading hole 3 and the outer diameter of the beam control piece 4 are in a "clearance fit," with the clearance controlled at 0.05-0.1mm. This avoids excessive clearance that could cause the beam control piece 4 to loosen, while also providing sufficient clearance for manual insertion or removal of the beam control piece 4 without the need for tools. The loading hole 3 serves as the "loading carrier" for the beam control piece 4, and can be adapted to beam control pieces 4 with different aperture 41 sizes, enabling "replacement as needed". At the same time, through precise aperture design, it ensures that after the beam control piece 4 is installed, its central aperture 41 is coaxially aligned with the light-transmitting hole 5, forming a "unique channel for the X-ray beam" and avoiding optical path deviation.

[0033] The beam control plate 4 has a cylindrical structure, enabling control of different beam sizes. Its outer diameter matches the diameter of the loading hole 3, and a small circular hole 41 is formed in the center. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the hole 41 is 50μm-300μm, smaller than the diameter of the light-transmitting hole 5. It should be understood that the diameter of the hole 41 can be different for different beam control plates 4. In this way, the beam control plate 4 absorbs stray X-rays that deviate from the optical path, allowing only the "directional X-ray beam" passing through the central hole 41 to enter the light-transmitting hole 5; moreover, beam control plates 4 with different hole diameters can limit the diameter of the X-ray beam passing through, achieving beam size adjustment. The beam control plate 4 is fitted into the loading hole 3 with a clearance fit, without relative movement to the main body 1, ensuring the coaxiality of the hole and the light-transmitting hole 5 and preventing beam deviation. The beam control plate 4 is gently pushed along the axis of the loading hole 3 to the bottom of the hole, where it fits perfectly. At this point, the pinhole 41 and the light-transmitting hole 5 are automatically coaxial, requiring no additional fasteners. Disassembly is easy; simply push it out with a tool for quick and easy replacement. The beam control plate 4 is made of platinum-iridium alloy, a material with high X-ray blocking and absorption efficiency. It effectively absorbs stray X-rays, allowing for control of the X-ray beam size. Furthermore, platinum-iridium alloy has good mechanical stability, preventing deformation over long-term use and ensuring stable pinhole dimensions.

[0034] The entrance of the light-transmitting aperture 5 corresponds to the exit port of the coaxial microscope, and the exit port corresponds to the entrance port of the diffractometer, located entirely within the propagation path of the X-ray beam. The light-transmitting aperture 5 is a circular through-hole, preferably with a diameter of 300 μm-1 mm. The specific size needs to be determined according to the required beam precision in the experiment, and its diameter must be greater than or equal to the diameter of the small hole 41 of the adapted beam control plate 4 to ensure that the beam passes through without obstruction. As the only channel for the "screened X-ray beam", it ensures that the directional X-ray beam passing through the small hole of the beam control plate 4 can propagate to the crystal sample of the diffractometer without deviation, avoiding beam divergence during propagation. The inner wall is smooth to avoid X-ray scattering within the aperture and reduce additional stray signals.

[0035] According to the X-ray collimator for crystal diffraction experiments of this invention, the main body 1 is designed to be "thick at the bottom and thin at the top." While meeting the depth requirements of the loading aperture 3, this design reduces redundant thickness at the top, resulting in lower overall weight, smaller space occupation, and compatibility with miniaturized diffractometer systems. Furthermore, the X-ray collimator for crystal diffraction experiments of this invention, through the combination of multiple loading apertures 3 and replaceable beam control plates 4, allows for the individual replacement of control plates with different aperture sizes, and even the addition of more sizes, adapting to a wider range of experimental scenarios.

[0036] In a single crystal diffraction experiment, the usage procedure of the X-ray collimator for crystal diffraction experiments according to this invention includes: first, inserting beam control plates 4 of different aperture sizes 41 into the loading holes 3 of the main body 1, and fixing the main body 1 to the motor through the fixing holes 2 to ensure that the light-transmitting hole 5 is coaxial with the optical path of the coaxial microscope and diffractometer; then, moving the main body 1 by the motor to quickly position the crystal sample by using the beam control plate 4 with the larger diameter aperture 41; then, moving the main body 1 by the motor to switch to the beam control plate 4 with the smaller diameter aperture 41 to accurately irradiate the crystal and collect effective diffraction data. If a new beam size is required, only the original beam control plate 4 needs to be removed and the new size control plate inserted, without disassembling the entire collimator, and the operation is quick.

[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various variations can be made to the above embodiments of this utility model. That is, all simple and equivalent changes and modifications made based on the claims and description of this utility model fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model. Any aspects not described in detail in this utility model are conventional technical content.

Claims

1. A crystal diffraction experiment X-beam collimator, characterized in that, It includes a main body (1), a fixing hole (2), a loading hole (3), a beam control plate (4), and a light-transmitting hole (5); The main body (1) is a stepped structure including a thin upper part and a thick lower part; The fixing hole (2) is opened on the upper thin part of the main body (1) and is used to be fixedly connected to an external drive motor to drive the main body (1) to move; The loading hole (3) is located at the lower thick part of the main body (1) and is a cylindrical blind hole; The beam control piece (4) is a cylindrical structure made of platinum-iridium alloy, with a small circular hole (41) in the center. The beam control piece (4) is fitted into the loading hole (3). The light-transmitting hole (5) is located at the bottom of the loading hole (3), and its axis is collinear with the optical path axis of the coaxial microscope and diffractometer, so as to allow the X-ray beam filtered by the small hole (41) to pass through.

2. The crystal diffraction experiment X-beam collimator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (1) is made of copper, aluminum, stainless steel or aluminum alloy.

3. The crystal diffraction experiment X-beam collimator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the thin part at the upper end of the main body (1) is 3-6 mm, and the thickness of the thick part at the lower end is 8-15 mm.

4. The crystal diffraction experiment X-beam collimator of claim 1, wherein, The fixing hole (2) consists of two circular through holes, the diameter of which is adapted to the connecting shaft or fastener at the motor output end.

5. The crystal diffraction experiment X-beam collimator of claim 1, wherein, The loading holes (3) are provided in at least two and are evenly distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the main body (1).

6. The crystal diffraction experiment X-beam collimator of claim 1, wherein, The aperture of the loading hole (3) and the outer diameter of the beam control piece (4) are in clearance fit, with a fit clearance of 0.05-0.1 mm.

7. The crystal diffraction experiment X-beam collimator of claim 1, wherein, The depth of the loading hole (3) is the same as the thickness of the beam control piece (4).

8. The crystal diffraction experiment X-beam collimator of claim 1, wherein, The diameter of the small hole (41) of the different beam control plates (4) is different.

9. The crystal diffraction experimental X-ray beam collimator of claim 1, wherein, The light-transmitting hole (5) is a circular through hole with a diameter of 300μm-1mm.

10. The crystal diffraction experiment X-beam collimator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The diameter of the small hole (41) is 50μm-300μm, which does not exceed the diameter of the light-transmitting hole (5).

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