Understanding the Omega-Scan Method
The Omega-Scan technique involves rotating the specimen 360° around a specific axis, such as the surface normal. The X-ray source and detector are positioned based on the crystal type to ensure an optimal number of reflections per turn. By analyzing the angular positions of these reflections, the crystal lattice orientation is determined in relation to the rotation axis.
To precisely align the lattice orientation with the crystal surface, a laser beam checks the surface direction. Other relevant reference planes or directions can also be measured using optical tools. This technique enables accurate orientation measurement of single crystals in any configuration, achieving a reproducibility within a few arc seconds—often in just a few seconds of measurement.
A specialized application of the Omega-Scan method is precision lattice-parameter determination, particularly for cubic crystals, providing highly accurate structural insights.
Related Applications: Crystal Surface Orientation Mapping, 3D Mapping of Crystalline Turbine Blades, Quartz Bar Aligning, Automatic Wafer Sorting, Quartz Blank Sorting, Samples with a wide variety of geometry & size, Marking and measuring of in-plane directions, Crystal quality, NLO Materials: Crystal Quality & Optical Axis Orientation
