LimsPulse
Particle & solid-state

X-ray powder diffractometer (XRPD)

Directs X-rays at a powder and records the angles at which they are diffracted by the crystal lattice. The pattern is a fingerprint of the crystal form, used to identify polymorphs, salts and hydrates and to detect amorphous content.

  • Pharmaceutical
  • Minerals & mining
  • Cement & construction
  • Materials science
  • Chemicals
  • Forensics
Photo of a X-ray powder diffractometer (XRPD)
Photo: René Volfík, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
CALIBRATION

XRPD calibration procedures

Angle calibration with a silicon standard

Checks the 2θ angle scale of the diffractometer by measuring a certified silicon powder standard and comparing the observed peak positions with the certified values.

Open procedure
QUALIFICATION

Instrument qualification (DQ · IQ · OQ · PQ)

  1. 01

    DQ — Design qualification

    Defines geometry, X-ray source, detector type, 2θ range, sample changer, safety features and software requirements.

  2. 02

    IQ — Installation qualification

    Confirms components, radiation enclosure, interlocks, cooling, software, radiation licence and initial leak survey.

  3. 03

    OQ — Operational qualification

    Checks angle accuracy with a certified silicon standard, intensity and resolution (e.g. with corundum), interlocks and radiation leakage.

  4. 04

    PQ — Performance qualification

    Shows reliable routine performance, e.g. by periodic silicon checks and correct identification of a known polymorph reference.

In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every XRPD in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how