Only X-rays having a specific wavelength, selected from a group of focusing X-rays diffracted from a sample, are reflected from a monochromator based on a Bragg's condition, passed through a receiving slit and detected by an X-ray detector. The monochromator is configured to be freely removable, and arranged between the sample and a focal point at which the wavelength-selected focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample are directly focused. At this time, the monochromator is moved so as to position the monochromator as close to the focal point as possible. The monochromator comprises a multilayer mirror having an internal interplanar spacing, wherein said internal interplanar spacing varies continuously from one end of the monochromator to the other end.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an X-ray diffractometer for detecting X-rays diffracted from a sample when the sample is irradiated with X-rays, and particularly to an X-ray diffractometer constituting an X-ray optical system in which X-rays diffracted from a sample are focusing X-rays focused on one point.

BACKGROUND ART

An X-ray diffractometer is known as one of apparatuses for analyzing crystallinity, crystal structures, etc. of samples.

FIG. 10is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary arrangement of an X-ray optical system in a conventional X-ray diffractometer.

As shown inFIG. 10, the X-ray optical system is configured so that the surface of a sample S disposed on a sample stage is irradiated with X-rays generated in an X-ray source10, and X-rays diffracted from the sample S are detected by an X-ray detector20. As not shown inFIG. 10, the setting of an X-ray irradiation angle to the surface of the sample S and the movement of the X-ray detector20in a direction along which the X-rays diffracted from the sample S are captured are performed by operating a goniometer or the like.

The illustrated X-ray optical system is called as a Bragg-Brentano optical system in which a sample is irradiated with divergent X-rays1diverging radially from the X-ray source10, and focusing X-rays2focused on one point are diffracted from the sample S.

The X-ray detector20is arranged at the focal point2a(or a rear position approximate to the focal point) of the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S.

A receiving slit30is arranged in front of an X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20. The receiving slit30is an optical component for adjusting the cross-sectional area of X-rays to be guided to the X-ray detector20to adjust the resolution of the X-ray detector20.

FIG. 11is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary arrangement of the X-ray optical system in which an optical component called as a monochromator40on the optical path of the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample in the conventional X-ray diffractometer described above.

The focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S contain continuous X-rays having a wavelength distribution and plural characteristic X-rays. The monochromator40is an optical component having a function of extracting only X-rays having a specific wavelength (for example, Kα1 ray or Kα2 ray) from the focusing X-rays2to monochromate the focusing X-rays2. The arrangement of the monochromator40on the optical path of the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S makes it possible to remove noise components and detect only diffracted X-rays having a specific wavelength required for a sample analysis, so that the detection precision of the X-ray detector20(the detection precision of the diffraction angle) can be enhanced.

As shown inFIG. 11, the conventional X-ray diffractometer is configured so that the monochromator40is arranged behind the receiving slit30, diffracted X-rays which focus at the focal point2aand then diverge are made to enter the monochromator40, and then monochromated diffracted X-rays are reflected. The diffracted X-rays which are reflected from the surface of the monochromator40focus at a second focal point2cas focusing X-rays again. The X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20is arranged at the second focal point2c(or a rear position approximate to the second focal point2c).

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional X-ray diffractometer having this type of X-ray optical system.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

As described above, in the conventional X-ray optical system, the monochromator40is arranged at the rear side of the second focal point2aof the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S, and the X-rays reflected from the monochromator40are detected by the X-ray detector20. Therefore, the conventional X-ray optical system has a problem that the optical path length of the diffracted X-rays until the X-rays reach the X-ray detector20is further increased, resulting in attenuation of the intensity of the diffracted X-rays.

The present invention has been implemented in view of the foregoing situation, and has an object to provide an X-ray diffractometer that can monochromate focusing X-rays diffracted from a sample by a monochromator without increasing the optical path length of the focusing X-rays until the focusing X-rays reach an X-ray detector.

Means of Solving the Problem

An X-ray diffractometer according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: an X-ray source for irradiating a sample with X-rays; a reflection type monochromator for receiving focusing X-rays diffracted from a sample and reflecting only focusing X-rays having a specific wavelength based on a Bragg's condition; an X-ray detector for detecting focusing X-rays monochromated by the monochromator; and a unit that adjusts measurement resolution of the X-ray detector, wherein the monochromator is arranged on an X-ray optical path between a focal point at which the focusing X-rays from the sample are directly focused and the sample.

Since the monochromator is arranged in front of the focal point at which the focusing X-rays from the sample focus, the optical path length of the focusing X-rays passing from the sample through the monochromator to the X-ray detector is shorter as compared with a case where the monochromator is arranged behind the focal point at which the focusing X-rays from the sample focus. In the X-ray detector, the X-ray detection face is arranged at (or proximately behind) the focal point of focusing X-rays reflected from the monochromator.

Here, it is preferable that the monochromator comprises a multilayer mirror having an internal interplanar spacing that varies continuously from one end to the other end.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the multilayer mirror is configured so as to adjust the interplanar spacing so that a interplanar spacing d1in a depth direction at a site to which the focusing X-rays are incident at an incident angle θ1and a interplanar spacing d2in the depth direction at a site to which the focusing X-rays are incident at an incident angle θ2satisfy the following equation based on the Bragg's condition: 2d1×sin θ1=2d2×sin θ2=nλ, wherein λ represents the wavelength of the diffracted X-rays, and n represents an integer.

By applying the thus-configured multilayer mirror to the monochromator, only X-rays having a specific wavelength can be reflected and extracted over the whole width of focusing X-rays which are incident to the surface of the monochromator at different angles.

The incident face of the above monochromator for the focusing X-rays can be configured as a flat surface, whereby the monochromator can be easily manufactured. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the incident face of the focusing X-rays may be configured as a curved surface as occasion demands.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the monochromator is arranged in proximity to a focal point at which the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample are directly focused to the extent that the monochromator does not interfere with the X-ray detector.

The arrangement of the monochromator at the position described above enables the focal point of the focusing X-rays reflected from the monochromator to be close to the focal point at which the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample are directly focused.

The unit that adjusts the measurement resolution of the X-ray detector may be configured by a receiving slit, for example. The receiving slit is arranged in front of the X-ray detection face of the X-ray detector.

Furthermore, a two-dimensional X-ray detector capable of two-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face is applicable as the X-ray detector.

The two-dimensional X-ray detector is preferably configured to have a two-dimensional X-ray detection function capable of two-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face, a one-dimensional X-ray detection function capable of one-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face and a zero-dimensional X-ray detection function capable of zero-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face, the two-dimensional X-ray detection function, the one-dimensional X-ray detection function and the zero-dimensional X-ray detection function being switchable to one another.

By using the two-dimensional X-ray detector having the functions as described above, the two-dimensional X-ray detection, the one-dimensional X-ray detection and the zero-dimensional X-ray detection can be performed by a single two-dimensional X-ray detector, and the degree of freedom of measurements can be increased.

Here, the zero-dimensional X-ray detection means that only the intensity of X-rays is detected, the one-dimensional X-ray detection means that the intensity of X-rays and one-dimensional position information thereof is detected, and further the two-dimensional X-ray detection means that the intensity of X-rays and two-dimensional position information are detected.

The X-ray diffractometer of the present invention is configured so that the monochromator is removable from the optical path of the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample.

Here, the X-ray detection face of the X-ray detector has an area that allows detection of focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample in an X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is removed from the optical path of the focusing X-rays and detection of focusing X-rays that are diffracted from the sample and reflected from the monochromator in an X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays.

The above configuration can be easily implemented by arranging the monochromator in proximity to a focal point at which the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample are directly focused to the extent that the monochromator does not interfere with the X-ray detector. By arranging the monochromator as described above, the focal point of the focusing X-rays reflected from the monochromator can be approached to the focal point of the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample when the monochromator is removed.

The receiving slit is configured to be freely positionally changeable between a position through which the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample pass in the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is removed from the optical path of the focusing X-rays, and a position through which the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample and reflected from the monochromator passes in the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays.

This configuration can implement, without movement of the X-ray detector, both of the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is removed from the optical path of the focused X-rays and the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is arranged on the optical path of the focused X-rays.

In the configuration that the monochromator is removed from the optical path of focused X-rays diffracted from the sample, the X-ray detector can be configured as follows. That is, the X-ray detector may be configured to be freely positionally changeable between a detection position of the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample and passing through the receiving slit in the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is removed from the optical path of the focusing X-rays, and a detection position of the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample, reflected from the monochromator and passing through the receiving slit in the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays.

The X-ray diffractometer of this invention may be configured as follows.

The monochromator may be configured to be removable from the optical path of the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample.

A two-dimensional X-ray detector capable of two-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face may be applied as the X-ray detector.

The X-ray detection face of the X-ray detector has an area that allows detection of focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample in an X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is removable from the optical path of the focusing X-rays and detection of focusing X-rays that are diffracted from the sample and reflected from the monochromator in an X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays.

This configuration can be easily implemented by arranging the monochromator in proximity to the focal point at which the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample are directly focused to the extent that the monochromator does not interfere with the X-ray detector as described above.

Furthermore, the X-ray detector has a function of freely changing an X-ray detection area between a first X-ray detection area for detecting focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample in the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is removable from the optical path of the focusing X-rays, and a second X-ray detection area for detecting focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample and reflected from the monochromator in the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays.

Here, the function of freely changing the X-ray detection area in the X-ray detector constitutes a unit that adjusts the measurement resolution of the X-ray detector. Accordingly, the receiving slit described above is unnecessary.

In this configuration, it is preferable that the X-ray detector (two-dimensional X-ray detector) is configured to have a two-dimensional X-ray detection function capable of two-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face, a one-dimensional X-ray detection function capable of one-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face and a zero-dimensional X-ray detection function capable of zero-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face, the two-dimensional X-ray detection function, the one-dimensional X-ray detection function and the zero-dimensional X-ray detection function being switchable to one another. By using the two-dimensional X-ray detector having the functions described above, the two-dimensional, one-dimensional and zero-dimensional X-ray detection can be performed by a single two-dimensional X-ray detector, and the degree of freedom of measurements can be increased.

As described above, according to the present invention, there can be provided an X-ray diffractometer in which focusing X-rays diffracted from a sample can be monochromated by a monochromator without greatly increasing the optical path length of the focusing X-rays diffracted from the sample to the X-ray detector.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention will be described hereunder in detail with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

First, an X-ray diffractometer according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6BandFIG. 10.

FIG. 1is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary structure of the X-ray diffractometer according to the embodiment.

The X-ray diffractometer shown inFIG. 1has an X-ray source10, a divergence slit51, a scattering slit52, a monochromator60, a receiving slit30and an X-ray detector20, and is configured so that the surface of a sample S disposed on a sample stage is irradiated with divergent X-rays1occurring in the X-ray source10, and focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S are monochromated by the monochromator60and made to enter the X-ray detector20.

Here, the divergent X-rays1which diverge radially are emitted from the X-ray source10. The divergent X-rays1emitted from the X-ray source10are restricted from spreading (divergent angle) by the divergence slit51, and applied to the surface of the sample S. X-rays are diffracted from the sample S based on the Bragg's law. The diffracted X-rays from the sample S are focusing X-rays2focused on one point.

The X-ray diffractometer according to the embodiment shown inFIG. 1is configured by adding a reflection type monochromator60to the conventional Bragg-Brentano type X-ray diffractometer shown inFIG. 10. The reflection type monochromator60has a function of reflecting only X-rays having a specific wavelength based on a Bragg's condition.

The monochromator60is arranged between the sample S and a focal point2a(seeFIG. 10) at which the focusing X-rays2from the sample S are directly focused.

The focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S are reflected and monochromated by the monochromator60. That is, only focusing X-rays2having a specific wavelength (for example, Kα1 ray or Kα2 ray) out of the focusing X-rays2incident to the monochromator60are reflected from the monochromator60based on the Bragg's condition. As described above, the focusing X-rays3monochromated by the monochromator60are incident to the X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20, and detected by the X-ray detector20.

In this embodiment, the receiving slit30is arranged in front of the X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20. As described above, the receiving slit30is an optical component which adjusts the cross-sectional area of X-rays to be guided to the X-ray detector20to adjust the resolution of the X-ray detector20.

The setting of the X-ray irradiation angle to the surface of the sample S and the movement of the X-ray detector20in a direction along which the X-rays diffracted from the sample S are captured are performed by operating a goniometer or the like, which is not shown inFIG. 1. Furthermore, it is needless to say that an optical component for an X-ray diffractometer other than the exemplary structure shown inFIG. 1may be mounted as occasion demands.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the monochromator60used in this embodiment.

In the monochromator60used in this embodiment, the incident face (surface) of the focusing X-rays2is configured as a flat surface. With respect to the inside of the monochromator60, multiple lattice planes for diffracting X-rays having a specific wavelength(s) are formed to be layered by an artificial multilayer. The interval between the respective lattice planes is adjusted to continuously vary from one end of the monochromator60(the left end inFIG. 2) to the other end of the monochromator60(the right end inFIG. 2).

Here, it is assumed that the focusing X-rays2from the sample S are incident to the surface of one end portion (left end portion inFIG. 2) of the monochromator60at an incident angle θ1as shown inFIG. 2. The interplanar spacing in the depth direction at the one end portion is represented by d1. Furthermore, the focusing X-rays2from the sample S are incident to the surface of the other end portion (right end portion inFIG. 2) of the monochromator60at an incident angle θ2. The interplanar spacing in the depth direction at the other end portion is represented by d2.

The interval of the respective lattice planes which are formed to be layered in the monochromator60varies continuously so as to satisfy the following equation based on the Bragg's condition: 2d1×sin θ1=2d2×sin θ2=nλ, wherein λ represents the wavelength of the diffracted X-rays, and n represents an integer.

Accordingly, X-rays having a specific wavelength λ are reflected at an angle of θ1from the surface of the one end portion (the left end portion inFIG. 2) and also reflected at an angle of θ2from the surface of the other end portion (the right end portion inFIG. 2). That is, the reflection type monochromator60having the configuration described above has a function of reflecting only X-rays having a specific wavelength out of incident focusing X-rays2at the same angle as the incident angle from the surface thereof, and focuses the X-rays as focusing X-rays3on one point.

The monochromator having this kind of function is publicly known, and it is disclosed in the U.S. Patent of the Patent Document 2, for example.

In the X-ray diffractometer according to this embodiment, the monochromator60is arranged to be freely removable from the optical path of the focusing X-rays2. The monochromator60is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays2to configure the X-ray optical system as shown inFIG. 1, whereas the monochromator60is removed from the optical path of the focusing X-rays2to configure the X-ray optical system as shown inFIG. 10.

The X-ray optical system ofFIG. 1in which the monochromator60is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays2is capable of removing noise components with the monochromator60, and enables only diffracted X-rays having a specific wavelength required for analysis of a sample S to be incident to the X-ray detector20, so that the detection precision (the detection precision of the diffraction angle) of the X-ray detector20can be enhanced.

On the other hand, when the monochromator60is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays2, the intensity of the diffracted X-rays incident to the X-ray detector20is reduced. Therefore, for measurements, etc. which place more importance on the X-ray intensity than the diffraction angle, the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 10in which the monochromator60is removed from the optical path of the focusing X-rays2may be preferable.

In this embodiment, the monochromator60can be freely installed and removed, and it can be selected according to a measurement purpose which one of the enhancement of the detection precision and the increase of the X-ray intensity takes priority.

In connection with the free installation/removal configuration of the monochromator60, the monochromator60, the X-ray detector20and the receiving slit30of the X-ray diffractometer of this embodiment are configured as follows.

First, the monochromator60is arranged in proximity to a focal point at which focusing X-rays2diffracted from a sample S are directly focused (seeFIG. 10) to the extent that the monochromator60does not interfere with the X-ray detector20.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare diagrams showing the relationship between the installation/removal of the monochromator and the positional variation of the focal point at which the focusing X-rays focus.

In a state where the monochromator60is removed (that is, the X-ray optical system shown inFIG. 10), the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S focus at a first focal point2ashown inFIG. 3A. On the other hand, in a state where the monochromator60is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays2(that is, the X-ray optical system shown inFIG. 1), the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S are incident to the surface of the monochromator60, and monochromated focusing X-rays3having a specific wavelength are reflected from the monochromator60. These focusing X-rays3reflected from the monochromator60focus at a second focal point3ashown inFIG. 3A.

In the optical system shown inFIG. 3A, the monochromator60is arranged in proximity to the first focal point2a, so that the second focal point3aof the focusing X-rays3reflected from the monochromator60is approximate to the first focal point2aand thus the distance L1between the focal points2aand3ais short.

On the other hand, as the monochromator60is separated from the first focal point2a, the second focal point3aof the focusing X-rays3reflected from the monochromator60is farther away from the first focal point2a, and thus the distance L2between the focal points2aand3ais longer as shown inFIG. 3B.

Considering the relationship between the locating position of the monochromator60and the positional variation of the focal point3aas described above, the X-ray diffractometer of this embodiment is arranged in proximity to the first focal point2aat which the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S are focused as they are.

Accordingly, the distance between the first focal point2aand the second focal point3acan be shortened. As a result, a configuration which is adaptable to both of the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 10and the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 1can be implemented while the X-ray detector20is fixed as described later. When the monochromator60is arranged in proximity to the first focal point2a, the incident area of the focusing X-rays2to the monochromator60is reduced, so that the monochromator60can be miniaturized (seeFIG. 3A).

A two-dimensional X-ray detector capable of two-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face21is used as the X-ray detector20. The X-ray diffractometer is configured that the X-ray detection face21of a single X-ray detector20is enabled to detect the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S in the X-ray optical system from which the monochromator60is removed (the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 10) and also detect the focusing X-rays3reflected from the monochromator60in the X-ray optical system having the monochromator60arranged therein (the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 1).

As described above, the X-ray diffractometer is configured to be adaptable to both the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 10and the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 1while the single X-ray detector20is fixed, which facilitates switching between the optical systems.

FIG. 4is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the receiving position for focusing X-rays on the X-ray detection face of the X-ray detector and the positional change of the receiving slit.

The X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20is arranged at (or proximately behind) the focal point2aor3aof the focusing X-rays2or3. This arrangement relationship will be described in detail later.

As shown inFIG. 4, the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S are incident to a first receiving position21aon the X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20in the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator60is removed from the optical path of the focusing X-rays2(the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 10), whereas the focusing X-rays3reflected from the monochromator60are incident to a second receiving position21bon the X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20in the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator60is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays2(the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 1).

Accordingly, the position of the receiving slit30arranged in front of the X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20is required to be changed according to the installation/removal of the monochromator60. That is, for the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator60is removed from the optical path of the focusing X-rays2(the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 10), the receiving slit30is arranged in front of the first receiving position21ato pass the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S therethrough. On the other hand, for the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator60is arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays2(the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 1), the receiving slit30is arranged in front of the second receiving position21bto pass the focusing X-rays3reflected from the monochromator60therethrough.

The positional change of the receiving slit30may be performed manually or automatically. When the receiving slit30is automatically positionally changed, a driving mechanism for the receiving slit30may be installed to move the receiving slit30with driving force from the driving mechanism.

As the X-ray detector20is preferably used a multifunctional two-dimensional X-ray detector that has a two-dimensional X-ray detection function capable of two-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face21, a one-dimensional X-ray detection function capable of one-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face21and a zero-dimensional X-ray detection function capable of zero-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face21, and is configured to switch these functions.

As described above, the zero-dimensional detection of X-rays means that only the intensity of X-rays is detected, the one-dimensional detection of X-rays means that the intensity of X-rays and one-dimensional position information are detected, and the two-dimensional detection of X-rays means that the intensity of X-rays and two-dimensional position information are detected.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5Care schematic diagrams showing the principle of this type of multifunctional two-dimensional X-ray detector.

In the two-dimensional X-ray detector20, one rectangular X-ray detection face21is formed by plural detection elements22arranged two-dimensionally as shown inFIG. 5A. The respective detection elements22are arranged in a lattice form in two directions which are orthogonal to each other (in a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction inFIG. 5A). Each detection element22detects the intensity of X-rays incident thereto. Specifically, when X-rays are incident to a detection element22, this detection element22generates a detection signal (electrical signal or the like) proportional to the intensity of the incident X-rays. Therefore, when X-rays are detected by the two-dimensional X-ray detector20, detection signals whose number is equal to the number of the detection elements22forming the X-ray detection face21can be obtained.

By changing the range in which the detection elements22constituting the X-ray detection face21are used, any one of the two-dimensional X-ray detection function, the one-dimensional X-ray detection function and the zero-dimensional X-ray detection function can be selected, whereby the X-ray detection mode can be switched.

That is, when the respective detection elements22arranged over the whole X-ray detection face21are used as shown inFIG. 5A, the function as the two-dimensional X-ray detector capable of two-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face21can be exercised. Furthermore, when only plural detection elements22aarranged on a line segment are used as shown inFIG. 5B, the function as the one-dimensional X-ray detector capable of one-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face21can be exercised. Still furthermore, when only one of the detection elements22bor plural lumped detection elements22barranged on the X-ray detection face21are used as shown inFIG. 5C, the function as the zero-dimensional X-ray detector capable of zero-dimensionally detecting X-rays incident to the X-ray detection face21can be exercised.

Each of the two-dimensional X-ray detection, the one-dimensional X-ray detection and the zero-dimensional X-ray detection in the X-ray optical system from which the monochromator60is removed (the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 10), and the two-dimensional X-ray detection, the one-dimensional X-ray detection and the zero-dimensional X-ray detection in the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator60is arranged on the optical path of focusing X-rays2(the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 1) can be arbitrarily selected to perform X-ray diffraction measurements by using the multifunctional two-dimensional X-ray detector as described above. Therefore, the degree of freedom of measurements can be remarkably increased.

Generally, a manner of removing the monochromator60from the optical path of focusing X-rays2to make the focusing X-rays2having a large X-ray intensity incident to the X-ray detector20is adopted in the case of the two-dimensional X-ray detection or the one-dimensional X-ray detection. On the other hand, a manner of arranging the monochromator60on the optical path of the focusing X-rays2to detect the focusing X-rays2with high detection precision is adopted in the case of the zero-dimensional X-ray detection.

In the case of the two-dimensional X-ray detection or the one-dimensional X-ray detection, it is preferable that the X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20is arranged at the focal point2a(or3a) of the focusing X-rays2(or3) as a detection target as shown inFIG. 6A. On the other hand, in the case of the zero-dimensional X-ray detection, it is preferable that the receiving slit30is arranged at the focal point2a(or3a) of the focusing X-rays2(or3) as a detection target, and the X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20is arranged to be proximate to and behind the receiving slit30as shown inFIG. 6B.

Second Embodiment

Next, an X-ray diffractometer according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 7.

FIG. 7is a schematic diagram showing a main part of the X-ray diffractometer according to the second embodiment.

The whole structure of the X-ray diffractometer according to this embodiment is the same as the apparatus of the first embodiment described above.

In this embodiment, the X-ray detector20is configured to be moved integrally with the receiving slit30.

That is, the receiving slit30and a detection area confronting the receiving slit30on the X-ray detection face21of the X-ray detector20are moved to any of the following positions. First, in the case of the X-ray optical system from which the monochromator60is removed (the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 10), they are arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S. On the other hand, in the case of the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator60is arranged (the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 1), they are arranged on the optical path of the focusing X-rays3which are diffracted from the sample S and reflected from the monochromator60.

In the X-ray diffractometer according to this embodiment, the X-ray detector20is moved, and thus it is less necessary to arrange the monochromator60in proximity to the focal point2a(seeFIG. 10) at which the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S are directly focused compared with the first embodiment described above. However, in order to suppress the movement amount of the X-ray detector20to the minimum level, it is still preferable to arrange the monochromator60in proximity to the focal point2a(seeFIG. 10) at which the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S are directly focused.

For example, a detection unit moving device (9) disclosed in the Patent Document 3 is applicable as a mechanism for integrally moving the X-ray detector20and the receiving slit30.

In this embodiment, the X-ray detector20and the receiving slit30are moved integrally with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the X-ray detector20and the receiving slit30may be configured to be moved separately from each other.

Third Embodiment

Next, an X-ray diffractometer according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 8.

FIG. 8is a schematic diagram showing a main part of the X-ray diffractometer according to the third embodiment.

The whole structure of the X-ray diffractometer according to this embodiment is the same as the apparatus of the first embodiment described previously.

This embodiment uses a two-dimensional X-ray detector20having a function of freely changing the X-ray detection area. The function of freely changing the X-ray detection area in the two-dimensional X-ray detector20constitutes a unit that adjusts the measurement resolution of the X-ray detector20. Accordingly, the receiving slit30is removed from the X-ray diffractometer of this embodiment.

With respect to the X-ray detection face21of the two-dimensional X-ray detector20, one rectangular X-ray detection face21is formed by plural detection elements22which are two-dimensionally arranged as shown inFIG. 5A. The respective detection elements22are arranged in a lattice form in two directions which are orthogonal to each other (in lateral and longitudinal directions in the figure) to detect the intensities of X-rays incident thereto.

In this embodiment, detection elements22to be used for detection of X-rays are selected from the plural detection elements22forming the X-ray detection face21, whereby an arbitrary X-ray detection area can be formed on the X-ray detection face21.

That is, as shown inFIG. 8, in the case of the X-ray optical system from which the monochromator60is removed (the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 10), the X-ray detector20forms a first X-ray detection area by using only detection elements22cin an area to which the focusing X-rays2diffracted from the sample S are incident, and in the case of the X-ray optical system in which the monochromator60is arranged (the X-ray optical system ofFIG. 1), the X-ray detector20forms a second X-ray detection area by using only detection elements22din an area to which the focusing X-rays3diffracted from the sample S and reflected from the monochromator60are incident. The detection elements22in areas other than the above areas are not used.

With this configuration, the detection elements22cor22dwhich form the first X-ray detection area or the second X-ray detection area also serve as a receiving slit30, and thus the receiving slit30can be omitted.

For example, the configuration of “virtual mask” disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-243506 filed previously by the applicant of this application may be used as the configuration that the X-ray detection area of the two-dimensional X-ray detector20is freely changeable.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications or applications may be performed.

For example, the fundamental X-ray optical system is not limited to the configurations shown inFIGS. 10 and 1. For example, the present invention is applicable to a transmission type X-ray optical system for irradiating a sample S with focusing X-rays2and transmitting therethrough X-rays diffracted in the sample S so that the X-rays focus on one point as in the above embodiments.

Furthermore, the two-dimensional X-ray detector is used in the above embodiments. However, a dedicated one-dimensional X-ray detector or zero-dimensional X-ray detector may be used as occasion demands.

The above embodiments are configured so that the monochromator60can be freely installed/removed in/from the optical path of the focusing X-rays2. However, the embodiments may be configured so that the monochromator60can be evacuated from the optical path of the focusing X-rays2by moving the monochromator60on the apparatus without removing the monochromator60from the apparatus.

For example, as shown inFIG. 12, a mechanism for turning the monochromator60is provided, and the monochromator is arranged on the optical path of focusing X-rays2or evacuated from the optical path of the focusing X-rays2by the turning operation.

Furthermore, as an application of the present invention, the X-ray diffractometer may be configured so that the monochromator60is arranged on the optical path of divergent X-rays which are radially emitted from the X-ray source and applied to the sample, and the divergent X-rays incident to the sample are monochromated by the monochromator60. The monochromator60is arranged in proximity to the X-ray source10. In this configuration, the reflection type monochromator used in the embodiments of the present invention may be applied as the monochromator60.