Separation of the α₁-α₂ doublet in X-ray diffraction profiles

A procedure involving the use of Fourier coefficients is suggested for the separation of the el component from an experimental diffraction profile. In contrast to the well known Rachinger method, the procedure described here does not require experimental data at any predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the separation error, if any, is evenly distributed. As in the Rachinger method, prior knowledge of the α₁−α₂ angular separation and the ratio R = Iα₂(max)/Iα₁(max) is assumed. If, however, R is unknown, then the mathematical analysis can be extended to determine the value of R.