X-ray Detector Calibration Using Diffraction Pattern Intersection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurate position and orientation of a two-dimensional X-ray detector are crucial for precise X-ray scattering angle measurement and diffraction pattern analysis, but existing methods are inadequate for detecting misalignments and correcting them in real-time during X-ray diffractometry experiments.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a polycrystalline material to detect diffraction patterns at different swing angles, analyzing the relative positions of intersection points to determine and correct detector misalignments such as roll, pitch, and yaw errors, which can be integrated into the calibration routine of diffractometry systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the detector position is fixed during calibration, then the calibration process is simplified, but the ability to detect and correct misalignments in real-time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration process simplicityVSAvoidreal-time misalignment detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic calibration by enabling the detector to be positioned at multiple swing angles during the calibration process. This dynamic positioning allows the system to detect misalignments by comparing diffraction patterns at different angles, thereby maintaining reliability while still keeping the calibration process manageable through automated procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple diffraction frames are taken at different swing angles to calibrate detector position, then measurement precision is improved, but the calibration time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector position accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first establishing a reference diffraction pattern at a known swing angle before performing measurements. This preliminary calibration step allows for quick corrections to be applied during subsequent measurements, reducing the overall time required while maintaining high precision through the use of pre-determined geometric relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the detector swing angle is changed during calibration, then spatial orientation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial orientation accuracyVSAvoidcalibration procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by comparing the measured diffraction pattern at a given swing angle with a reference pattern or calculated expectations. This feedback mechanism automatically identifies deviations and provides correction information, simplifying the calibration procedure while maintaining high spatial orientation accuracy through iterative refinement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise calibration and compensation of detector orientation, improving the accuracy of diffraction data by identifying and correcting spatial misalignments, thereby enhancing the reliability of X-ray diffraction measurements.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray beam is directed toward the polycrystalline material such that diffracted X-ray energy is output therefrom. The detector is used to detect a first diffraction pattern formed by the diffracted X-ray energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3249393B1Two-dimensional x-ray detector position calibration and correction with diffraction pattern
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 BRUKER AXS INC
  • EP3249393B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3249393B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3249393B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method of determining the spatial orientation of a two-dimensional detector in an X-ray diffractometry system, and calibrating the detector position in response thereto, uses diffraction patterns from a powder sample collected at a plurality of detector swing angles. The overlapping of the detected patterns indicates relative errors in the detector orientation. In particular, intersection points between the different diffraction patterns may be located, and their relative locations may be used to identify errors. Such errors may be in the detector position, or they may be errors in different rotational directions, such as roll, pitch or yaw. Determination and correction of the detector orientation using this method may be part of a calibration routine for the diffractometry system. Roll error may also be determined using a single measurement with the detector at a swing angle perpendicular to the X-ray beam.