A heating stage up to 1173 K for X-ray diffraction studies in the whole orientation space

A multi-purpose heating attachment designed primarily for X-ray four-circle diffractometers but applicable also for classical powder diffraction is presented. When working in reflection geometry, the air-cooled heating stage allows diffraction studies to be performed on plate-like samples up to 1173 K in the whole orientation space. This paper gives a detailed description of the assembly and important technical specifications for the performance of experiments. The heating characteristics of the heating stage, the displacement of the sample from the goniometer centre as a result of thermal expansion and the influence of the protecting dome on the diffraction experiment are presented. The simple technical construction, the low weight, the small size and good heating performance make this equipment a general purpose heating attachment for X-ray diffraction experiments in reflection geometry.