Crystal and magnetic structure
powder diffraction
Material Analysis · Structure & Spectroscopy
Neutron Diffraction
Characterise crystal and magnetic structure, light-element positions and site occupancy, and bulk phase, strain, or texture using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£600 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 5 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- ISIS WISH beamline
- Typical outputs
- Neutron diffraction patternRietveld or magnetic-structure refinementPhase, lattice, occupancy, strain, or texture resultsProcessed spectra
Why this service
What ND can help you understand
Neutron Diffraction is selected when the project needs defensible information on crystal and magnetic structure, light-element positions and site occupancy, or bulk phase, strain, or texture. A neutron…
Light-element positions and site occupancy
single-crystal diffraction
Bulk phase, strain, or texture
residual-stress, texture, or variable-environment measurement
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Powder diffraction
crystal and magnetic structure
- Best used when
- crystal and magnetic structure
- Typical result
- Neutron diffraction pattern
- Preparation note
- Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review.
Single-crystal diffraction
light-element positions and site occupancy
- Best used when
- light-element positions and site occupancy
- Typical result
- Rietveld or magnetic-structure refinement
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Residual-stress, texture, or variable-environment measurement
bulk phase, strain, or texture
- Best used when
- bulk phase, strain, or texture
- Typical result
- Phase, lattice, occupancy, strain, or texture results
- Preparation note
- Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Neutron diffraction pattern reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Rietveld or magnetic-structure refinement supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Phase, lattice, occupancy, strain, or texture results provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Processed spectra included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Powder / particles | Provide a dry, homogeneous and clearly labelled sample in a sealed container. | Exact mass and any drying or dispersion step are confirmed after technical review. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
| Solid / component | Provide a clean, stable and clearly labelled specimen with the target face or region identified. | Confirm dimensions, cutting permission and whether the original geometry must be preserved. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
What should I send for Neutron Diffraction?
Provide powder / particles, device / assembly, solid / component as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For crystal and magnetic structure, start with powder diffraction; add single-crystal diffraction when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 5 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Facility access and lead time are significant. Absorbing isotopes, sample environment, and limited beamtime constrain design.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope ND correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth