It is most common for samples on LAD to be put inside a cylindrical vanadium can. If the available sample quantity is small then it is better to select a smaller can size so that if possible the sample height is greater than the beam height. This has the advantage of reducing absorption and multiple scattering corrections.

The sample can should if possible be mounted so that the base of the can is below the bottom of the beam and the top of the sample is above the top of the beam. In the horizontal dimension the beam should be at least a little bit wider than the sample can to allow for any inaccuracy in positioning. These criteria give a well-conditioned experimental setup which is best suited to the data correction programs. If possible the size of the beam and the size of sample can should be chosen so as to satisfy these requirements.

The mounting of a sample in the beam is discussed further in later sections of this manual on Sample Environment Equipment (see sections 6.1 and 6.2).

Last Updated 09 Nov 1998