Rietveld refinement method, a versatile tool in Earth Sciences

08.05-11.05.2006

Powder X-ray diffraction is a common analytical method in Earth Sciences, which is mainly used for identification purposes. X-ray diffractograms contain, however, more information than just the nature of the phases present in a sample. Peak position, shape and intensity are sensitive to the amount, structure, composition, as well as the morphology of that phase. These informations can be extracted by different methods, the most prominent is the Rietveld refinement technique. The method is based on finding the best fit between calculated and measured diffractograms by varying the instrumental and sample parameters which influence the peak positions, shapes and intensities. The parameters of interest e.g. amount of a phase, structural details, grain size etc. are extracted from the calculated pattern, which has the best fit with the experimental data. There is a large number of Rietveld refinement programs available, and most of them are freeware.

University of Fribourg, building, room 123

1.5 points (analytical methods)

Active participation including reading the indicated literature:

Please Contact Bernard Grobéty

see website 'courses', go to 'practical information', then download the form. Reimbursements are made twice a year.

Via the web. This course is open to public, however priority will be given to EDSM participants.

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