A High-Temperature X-ray Diffraction Camera

A versatile 19 cm. X-ray diffraction camera, designed to operate up to at least 1400° C., is described. The specimen can be in either a vacuum or a gaseous atmosphere, the attainment of as high a degree of vacuum as possible being a major consideration in design. The camera is suitable for both fibre (powder) or small block specimens. The furnace chamber is heated by platinum-rhodium resistance wire, held by alumina within hemispherical platinum shells, the whole being surrounded by a reflector. The temperature is measured by a movable thermocouple and the pressure by an ionization gauge. Two cassettes are located outside the vacuum chamber, which are interchangeable for studies of continuous reactions, and they are designed to record Bragg reflexions over a wide angular range (up to 86°). Initial performance trials are described.