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The Malvern-Panalytical Empyrean multi-purpose X-ray diffractometer (XRD) is capable of wide angle (WAXS), small angle (SAXS) and ultra small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) analyses of materials. This includes phase identification and quantification, crystallinity determination, structure determination and refinement, X-ray reflectometry, thin film stress, orientation, micro-diffraction, texture and stress analysis. The Empyrean is equipped with PIXcel3D, as well as a sealed proportional detector. Sample stages allow for the analysis of powders and solids in reflection or transmission geometries. The Olympus BTX Profiler provides structural phase analysis as well as elemental analysis of materials via energy dispersive fluorescence.
The XRD is a major materials characterization resource housed within the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering that supports the work of researchers in those disciplines as and those in Physics, Space Sciences, Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. The ability to quickly and accurately identify the microstructure of newly discovered materials is a tremendous advantage that RMC researchers depend upon to make advances in strategic areas for science and for national security priorities. Accordingly, there is a significant impact on the productivity of research faculty and their students if this instrument is made unavailable due to equipment failure.
In fiscal year 2024-25, the XRD underwent significant maintenance and upgrading made possible thanks to funding RMC received through the Research Support Fund. The enhancements made to the instrument’s performance and longevity will help our researchers continue exploring the boundaries of material sciences.
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As a small institution, the administrative support that researchers receive have an oversized impact on their ability to effectively prepare and manage their grants. The RSF empowers staff in the Office of the VPR to offer services exceeding the compliance and accountability measures mandated by the granting agencies. Faculty are able to access one-on-one support for grant development, receiving detailed advice on structuring their proposal narratives and budgets to highlight the impact of their work and improve success rates. Award holder requests for change or extension requests are reviewed and actioned quickly. Financial staff are available to help grantholders navigate the expense and accounting systems as painlessly as possible.
RMC students, post-doctoral fellows and research associates to access similar support for their scholarships, fellowships, and other research awards. Knowledge generated by the research performed by our undergraduate and graduate students contributes to national defence, Canadian culture, and the quality of life for everyone touched by their important, world-class work. Support for student research awards has improved in recent years thanks to a College-wide effort empowered by RSF funded positions.