APPLICATIONS OF HIGH-ENERGY SYNCHROTRON-RADIATION FOR STRUCTURAL STUDIES OF POLYCRYSTALLINE MATERIALS

The large penetration power of high-energy X-rays (>60 keV) raises int eresting prospects for new types of structural characterizations of po lycrystalline materials. It becomes possible in a non-destructive mann er to perform local studies, within the bulk of the material, of the f undamental materials physics properties: grain orientations, strain, d islocation densities etc. In favourable cases these properties may be mapped in three dimensions with a spatial resolution that matches the dimensions of the individual grains. Imbedded volumes and interfaces b ecome accessible. Moreover, the high energies allow better in-situ stu dies of samples in complicated environments (industrial process optimi zation). General techniques for research in this energy range have bee n developed using broad-band angle-dispersive methods, on-line two-dim ensional detectors and conical slits. Characterizations have been made at the level of the individual grains and grain boundaries as well as on ensembles of grains. The spatial resolution is presently of the or der of 10-100 mu m. Four examples of applications are presented along with an outlook.