New configuration leads to popular new instrument

Blake Industries
Scotch Plain, NJ

Argonne materials scientists needed a new type of two-circle diffractometer (called a goniometer) for a new powder diffractometer that they had developed. They recognized that two pieces of standard commercial equipment could be reconfigured to create a product that could meet their needs. Blake Industries, a small manufacturer, sells these diffractometers.

Argonne researcher Mark Beno contacted Blake Industries' president, David Rognlie, and suggested the modification. The company responded, and the resulting piece of equipment has become part of Blake's standard product line.

"In hindsight, I see that the new configuration is the way the product should have always been," said Rognlie.

Blake has already sold several dozen of the diffractometers. "In this business, if you sell more than one of a product, it is a successful product. This has proven to be a good combination for optics, X-rays and many other areas," said Rognlie.

Argonne has successfully used the product for a prototype powder diffractometer and intends to incorporate it into instrumentation for the Advanced Photon Source.

Mark Beno's work at Argonne is supported by DOE's Office of Energy Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences.

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For more information, contact Argonne's Office of Technology Transfer (800-627-2596, partners@anl.gov).