SAXS (Kratky system)
This instrument combines an X-ray focusing optics with a block collimator which produces an intense, monochromatic primary beam. The primary beam is focused through the sample allowing fast measurements of the scattering pattern, even from samples with low contrast. The scattering signal is detected by a CCD camera for SAXS and a 2D imaging plate detection system for WAXS. The apparatus is implemented with a SAXSess camera using a X-ray generator (PANalytical, PW 3830) with a sealed copper tube. The X-ray generator offers a maximum power of 4.0 kW and an operating range of 20-60 kV and 10-100 mA. A Göbel mirror and a Kratky block collimation system (line-shaped beam) is used to convert the divergent polychromatic X-ray beam into a focused line shaped beam of Cu-Kα radiation. Holders for liquid and solids are available. The instrument design makes it possible to investigate particles length scales from 0.25 nm (thanks to the wide angle extension system) up to 40 nm. Thus, q values range from ≤ 0.077 nm-1 (corresponding to a Bragg value ≥ 82 nm) up to ≈ 8 nm-1 (SAXS) and ≈ 29 nm-1 (SWAXS).