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Notes

• Classes will be limited to six (6) students, so first to sign up get priority

• Costs are only applicable to those who did not purchase their training as a part of a quote

• Costs shown above do not include travel and lodging, but do include lunch

• All prices are listed in US dollars

To request a training session at a time other than one of those listed above, please contact our XRD department with a list of preferred dates.

Individualized personal XRD training at Rigaku's The Woodlands site can be requested at $1500/day for exclusive instruction and applications purposes.

Customer site XRD training option available for instrument specific custom designed course at $1800/day, plus expenses. XRD expert trainers to come to you!

Please contact Diana Sandefur at (281) 362-2300 ext. 240 to schedule training today!

What are our students saying about our XRD training sessions?

"Everyone is very helpful and goes out of their way to help"

"The training courses made everything very clear"

"Got me excited about incorporating XRD into my research"

"Instructors are very flexible in adjusting presentations to our interests"

"I'm excited to get home and try new things"

"They are very interested in making the instrument meet my needs"

XRD training course descriptions

Software training

DAY ONE (Daily class times: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

1) Basic Analysis

1. Opening X-ray raw data patterns 

   • Multiple overlays for comparison

2. Opening saved data analysis for group pattern processing 

3. Importing and exporting of data into non-Rigaku formats for data sharing 

4. Visual architecture—explanation of screen layouts, tool bars, buttons and display controls 

5.  Data smoothing, filters, changing step size, trimming data range 

6. Applying a background

   •  Options and defaults, intended functionality in conjunction with other analyses

2) Search /Match 

1. Iterative searching styles 

2. Supplemental tools for searches 

3. Accepting defaults versus advanced features (for solid solution and highly oriented samples) 

4. Data mining using the PDF reference library 

5. Building sub files for frequently used references 

6. Quality markers and references 

7. Tools for confirmation of phases

   • Including kβ templates 

   • Simulations 

   • Residual indicators 

   • Figure of Merit

3) Statistical Pattern Information Output 

1. Two theta positions 

2. d-spacing and relative intensities 

3. Creating new reference patterns in the database from experimental data or published data 

4. Printing and report capabilities

DAY TWO 

1) Profile fitting

1. Defining the area of the pattern and peaks

2. Defaults and integrations

3. Peak shapes and when to constrain variables

4. Crystallite size analysis

5. Percent crystallinity

2) Easy Quant using RIR method 

1. Coupled with Search/Match and profile fitting to determine semi-quantitative weight percents

2. Internal standards

3. External standards and calibration plots 

3) Overview of Rietveld Refinement 

Four example patterns for Rietveld quantitative analysis are calculated as an introduction.

DAY THREE (Optional Day) 

1. Overview of Rietveld Basic Operations

   • Loading phases (atomic structure phases or structure-less phases ):

   • Global parameters for refinement

   • Phase parameters for refinement

   • Refinement controls: global and phase

   • Displays and results, including report output formats for various publications

2. Practical Examples:

   • Example patterns with specific features are presented to emphasize basic concepts

3. Specific Topics also covered

   • Background Model Parameters-polynomial versus user defined backgrounds

   • Interpretations of statistical and graphical displays of refinements

   • Refinement operation using structure-less phases

   • Automatic atomic coordinates linking (cif, csf)

   • Internal standard calibrations for 2θ reference

   • Easy instrument properties modification- sample displacement shift theta compensating slits, thin film absorption, cylindrical specimen, etc.

   • Solid solution substitutions and site occupancy refinements

   • Rotating 3-D structure viewing and stereo projections

   • Interactive links to Search/Match for residual unmatched area

4. Constraints on Variables

   • Multiple data regions can be excluded (i.e. Sample holder or substrate reflections)

   • Preferred orientations corrections

   • Individual FWHM profile shape fitting for turbostatic effects.

   • Lattice/crystal structure parameters

   • Selective use of phases in refinement (phases included or excluded from refinements)

MiniFlex II training course description

DAY ONE

• Reference materials will be handed out ("Where do I find...")

• X-ray safety

• MiniFlex hardware component identification

• Changing X-ray tubes and aligning

• Proper tube selection and impact on the diffraction plot

• System maintenance

• Perform system checks

• Keep system logs

• Routine maintenance items

• Sample preparation

• Sources of error

• Various methods for "unusual" sample types-expanding your horizons through sample prep!

• Data collection (strategies and techniques)

• Proper selection of collection parameters

• Fast vs. slow scans

• Improving your statistics

DAY TWO

• Opening raw data files

• Overlaying multiple patterns and manipulating multiple files for trend information

• Adding or subtracting overlays,

• Merging segments, etc

• Accessing data; storing and printing processed data

• Processing: Background/Kα₂ subtraction; Smoothing

• Search/Match: Identifying phases, tools and techniques to aid your search

• Building your own database of commonly used materials

• Profile Fitting techniques/ crystallite size/ % crystallinity (if appropriate)

• Preview of Quantitation modules Either/ or: 

  1. Easy Quant using RIR relative intensity ratio method Easy quant using calibration curves 

  2. Whole Pattern Fitting/ Rietveld analysis—quantitation

Customer site software and instrument training course:

• Convenience of your own site for training

• Custom designed to accommodate your instrument

• Custom designed to cater to your staff

• From two to five days of individual attention from expert trainers