Miniflex
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Miniflex is a X-ray diffraction (XRD) analytical measuring instrument produced by Rigaku. The current instrument is the fourth in a series introduced in 1973.
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[edit] History
The Miniflex is historically significant in that it was the first commercial benchtop (tabletop) X-ray diffraction (XRD) instrument. When introduced in 1973, the original Miniflex was about ten times (10X) smaller, and dramatically less expensive, than conventional X-ray diffraction equipment of the period. The original instrument, and its successor that was introduced in 1976, employed a horizontal goniometer with data output provided by an internal strip chart recorder.
The third generation device, introduced in 1995, was called Miniflex+. It provided a dramatic advance in the technology with computer control.[1][2] Both the Miniflex+ and the current generation product employ a vertical goniometer and allow the use of an automatic sample changer. The current generation Miniflex II was introduced in 2006 and offers the advance of a monochromatic X-ray source.
[edit] Teaching
The simplicity and relatively low cost of the Miniflex line has led to its widespread use in colleges and universities to illustrate the physics behind X-ray diffraction.[3] In addition to Chemistry and Physics, many Geology departments also employ the Miniflex to teach mineralogy.[4][5][6]
[edit] Research
Over 1,000 scientific papers have been published using data collected using a Miniflex.[7]
[edit] References
- ^ "Rigaku/MiniFlex+ X-ray Diffractometer System", The Rigaku Journal, Vol. 12, 2, p.50-52 (1996). http://www.rigaku.com/downloads/journal/Vol12.2.1995/miniflex.pdf
- ^ "Desktop X-ray Diffractometer “MiniFlex+”", The Rigaku Journal, Vol. 14, 1, p. 29-36 (1997). http://www.rigaku.com/downloads/journal/Vol14.1.1997/miniflex.pdf
- ^ Introduction to X-Ray Powder Diffraction (EPS 400): http://epswww.unm.edu/xrd/xrd-course-info.htm
- ^ XRD Analysis And Project-Based Learning In An Environmental Geology Laboratory Course: http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2004AM/finalprogram/abstract_73905.htm
- ^ Daniel J. Williams, et al. "First-Year Undergraduate Laboratory Experiments with Zeolites", Chem. Educator, Vol. 7, p. 33-36 (2002). http://www.springerlink.com/content/k07230703736g0j5/fulltext.pdf
- ^ Pranoti M. Asher "The X-Ray Diffraction Project in the Petrology Course at Georgia Southern University": http://www.microbeamanalysis.org/masjh/GSA/06Philly1.pdf
- ^ Google Scholar search results: http://scholar.google.com/scholar?num=100&hl=en&lr=&q=rigaku+miniflex&btnG=Search
[edit] External Links
- Rigaku home page (English)
- Rigaku home page (Japanese)
- Rigaku Journal: An International Journal of X-ray Characterization
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