On the correction of the shapes of X-ray diffraction line profiles for absorption broadening

It has been shown that the method of Keating & Warren [Rev. Sci. Instrum. (1952), 23, 519-522] for performing correction to the shapes of X-ray profiles in order to allow for absorption broadening can lead to serious errors for materials with a low absorption coefficient. The factors influencing the degree of absorption broadening are reconsidered and the Keating & Warren analysis is re-presented in the light of these considerations. The analysis is illustrated by correcting the 0004 X-ray diffraction profile derived from a lightly pressed graphitized carbon.