I have got a slag sample that contains high amount of iron in it. I conducted xrd using Cu tube, on the powdered sample with very high background (because of iron efflorescence). Then to improve the data quality i got it done with Co tube but the signal to noise ratio is very low. I have attached the .raw files and the screenshot of data for both from the Cu and Co tubes. I know of only one option i.e. increase time per step. Are there any other settings that can improve the signal to noise ratio? Please let me know if any additional information is required?
Your Co tube case apparently suffers from low photon flux at the detector (compared to the Cu tube case). Do you have taken the same sample?
It seems that you might have got an experimental issue here.
For example the sample height adjustment needs to be improved.
Please play around with the height position of the sample with respect to the x-ray beam (rotation axis of your set up).
Good luck
Are you using any monochromators or K-beta filter? I found this interesting presentation online. It might be helpful.
Your Co tube case apparently suffers from low photon flux at the detector (compared to the Cu tube case). Do you have taken the same sample?
It seems that you might have got an experimental issue here.
For example the sample height adjustment needs to be improved.
Please play around with the height position of the sample with respect to the x-ray beam (rotation axis of your set up).
Good luck
When you change sources, you also need to change the detector descriminator settings. Even if the Co tube provides smaller peaks in terms of counts per second, the peak intensity / background intensity should be vastly greater for Co compared to Cu tube.
The electronics of the detector are probably still set at values appropriate for Cu, and are therefore rejecting lots of the Co characteristic x-rays. Leaving in the Ni foil beta filter appropriate for Cu anode will have a similar effect. If you have a Co tube, you should use an Fe foil beta filter. That will make a big difference!
A previous question response asked if you you had a monochromator - obviously not, else your background with the Cu tube would be lower.
Would you try to refine the particle size of the powder, i.e, ground it more.
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