Implementing and evaluating far-field 3D X-ray diffraction at the I12 JEEP beamline, Diamond Light Source

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Crystallography
• Synchrotron Radiation

Background:

• Three-dimensional X-ray diffraction (3DXRD) is a powerful technique for analyzing material microstructures.
• The I12 Joint Engineering, Environmental and Processing (JEEP) beamline at Diamond Light Source offers a flexible platform for advanced experiments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of 3DXRD at the I12 beamline.
• To establish a processing pipeline for 3DXRD data specific to the I12 beamline.
• To assess the performance of 3DXRD in terms of spatial resolution and strain measurement accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a microstructurally simple, low-carbon ferritic steel in a highly textured and annealed state.
• Developed a processing pipeline using established 3DXRD software.
• Validated orientation measurements against electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) data.

Main Results:

• Determined grain centre-of-mass positions, orientations, and strain tensor elements.
• Achieved orientation uncertainty of approximately 0.1°, comparable to other 3DXRD instruments.
• Measured average grain centre-of-mass position errors of ±80 µm and elastic strain errors of ~1x10⁻³.

Conclusions:

• 3DXRD is feasible and effective at the I12 beamline.
• The flexible architecture of I12 allows for custom sample environments, expanding potential applications.
• Future improvements in sample preparation, calibration, and data analysis can enhance accuracy.