A method for crystallographic texture investigations using standard x-ray equipment

A fast and accurate method has been developed for measuring crystalline texture in homogeneous materials. The method uses a conventional powder x-ray diffractometer capable of θ scans. Two scans are recorded from the sample: first, a high resolution θ-2θ scan is obtained of a Bragg peak whose diffracting planes are normal to the preferred orientation direction; second, a θ scan is obtained using this peak. The η scan contains the required texture information, but the intensities must be corrected for defocusing and absorption to obtain the texture profile. The θ-2θ scan of the Bragg peak is used to make the defocusing correction, and first principles calculations are used to correct for absorption. The theory behind these corrections is presented here. The validity of the technique has been verified by making measurements on untextured alumina. Data obtained from Bi₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O₁₀ superconducting tape specimens with this technique are compared with texture data obtained with a four-circle diffractometer.