Some controls on one of our x-ray diffractometers at work. I thought it fit well with the theme.
X-ray crystallography is a method of determining the arrangement of atoms within a crystal, in which a beam of X-rays strikes a crystal and diffracts into many specific directions. From the angles and intensities of these diffracted beams, a crystallographer can produce a three-dimensional picture of the density of electrons within the crystal. From this electron density, the mean positions of the atoms in the crystal can be determined, as well as their chemical bonds, their disorder and various other information.
Thanks for the comment on my Colorful Cranes photo- yes, I hand folded each and every one of them! I originally intended to make 100 of them for my 100th photo, but just didn't have the time.
We're usually doing pretty routine x-ray analysis. We use these machines to see if the ceramic materials we made are actually the ceramic materials we wanted to make, i.e. is the ceramic all just the phase that I wanted, or is there a bunch of other stuff in there which means we cannot do further analysis on it and we have to make a new ceramic.
Knowing you were a scientist, it was interesting to read about what you do. Your photo is an interesting peek into your work-a-day life since (I've) come to know you through your travels throughout the region!
Amazing what people have figured out. First they had to identify the problem, then calculate the best path for solving it, then come up with steps to reach the solution, then be able to measure and report results. The human mind is a wonderful thing.
September 9th, 2010
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