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Newsletter 20 - Summer 1998, Homepage


BGMN - a New Fundamental Parameters Based Rietveld Program for Laboratory X-ray Sources, it's Use in Quantitative Analysis and Structure Investigations

J. Bergmann(*), P. Friedel(+), R. Kleeberg(=)
(*) Ludwig-Renn-Allee 14, 01217 Dresden, Germany
E-mail: bergmann@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
(+)Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., Hohe Str. 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
E-mail: friedel@orion.ipfdd.de
(=)University of Mining and Technology, Mineralogical Institute,Brennhausgasse 14, D-09595 Freiberg, Germany.
E-mail: kleeberg@mineral.tu-freiberg.de
http://www.mineral.tu-freiberg.de/mineralogie/bgmn/index.html

Common Problems of Rietveld Programs

Rietveld analyses can be executed by a lot of programs. Many functions were added since the first publication.
A special problem for laboratory X-ray sources is the profile model [8]. The foregoing developers paid special attention to extend the profile model enabling the user to describe the peak shape within a wide angular range as exact as possible. In spite of all efforts, it was not possible to introduce a universal, precise profile model easy to be used until now. For that reason, the following measuring rule had to be fulfilled: Use narrow axial divergence collimators (Soller-collimator) to adapt the peak shape by simple analytical functions over the entire angular range.

Even then difficulties often appeared in the case of peaks with 2 * angles less than 15 degrees. The so- called u-v-w parameters [7] are widely used for profile shape description. These three (or more) parameters must be fitted in conjunction with the crystallographic model parameters. Adaptation results in parameter correlation. It is a main source of divergence of the optimization algorithm, incorrect minima and program crashes.

In addition, the wide-spread Rietveld programs need a lot of intuition for operation: Having declared an unfavorable set of parameters, the Rietveld programs react very sensitively. As a rule, they breakdown with an error inside the numerical library. In this case, the calculation which had been terminated compulsorily must be restarted from the beginning. This termination results from the use of simple optimization algorithms which cannot consider the physically reasonable ranges of parameters.

BGMN's Solutions to these Problems

New Profile Model
  • Splitting up the device function of [15] into an X- ray spectrum part (sum of Lorentzians) and a geometry/divergence part (sum of squared Lorentzians).
  • Sample's function is enriched by a second width parameter of a squared Lorentzian (more Gaussian-like than a pure Lorentzian), which describes strain/stress in the sample.
  • Device profile is computed by raytracing method. Input values such as divergence slit- (also formula for automatic divergence slit), focus-, detector slit-, sample-dimensions, sample shape, sample thickness, estimated linear attenuation coefficient, focus misalignement etc. can be used to simulate the possible paths of X-rays at given angles.
  • This "device peaks" are automatic fitted to a predefined residual (e.g. 0.7 %) by a sum of Lorentzians. Their parameters are interpolated over the whole angular range. These are used in calculation of device profile part for each experimental peak to describe.
  • When running the optimization algorithm, all profile parameters depending on the device are constant. Correlation amongst profile and structure parameters is eliminated.

See: http://www.mineral.tu-freiberg.de/mineralogie/bgmn/index.html

New Refinement Algorithm for Reliable Convergence The nonlinear least square algorithm is designed basing on a practical book by [23]. Within the central, linear part of the algorithm, a simple solution of the equation system above the Hesse matrix is replaced by the RG-CD algorithm (Restricted Gradient-Conjugated Direction) described in [22]. In its complete version, the algorithm supplies any in-equation constraints for linear combinations of parameters. Lower and upper parameter limits can be optionally defined by means of the simplified version used in BGMN [24].

New Features of BGMN

Description and Correction of Preferred Orientation

To overcome the well-known problems caused by the March function [9], Järvinen has used spherical harmonics firstly [16]. We use a modified version of spherical harmonics until 10th order which can also be applied for samples of sophisticated orientation distributions. Parameter correlation and incorrect results can be avoided by defining the suitable order of the spherical harmonics resp. by the automatic reducing of the order depending on the measured intensity.

Real Structure Functions

The influence of different real structures on the scattering functions of polycrystals has been studied in detail by [18]. In the case of dislocations, he made the conclusion of gaussian peaks. Its width (squared variance) should be proportional to dislocation density as well as to length of scattering vector. Basing on [5], [20] has checked BGMN's model for valid crystallite size distribution. Equivalent to [5], he found the following formula:

(1)

withpv = volume percentage of columns having a length D; in parallel to scattering vector. b1 = width parameter (half FWHM) of the simple Lorentzian part of the size broadening. b2 = width (standard deviation *) of the quadratic Lorentzian part of the size broadening.

According to this we assume a Lorentz width b1 independent from the length of the scattering vector and a squared Lorentzian width b2 * b1. Both influences are greatly discussed in real structure literature, so the default formulae for peak widths considers both. Of course, one may assume other formulae.

Molecular crystals (rigid bodies)

New functions describing that lattice positions are placed by molecules instead of atoms were introduced. In cases of molecules, rotational parameters appear in addition to the translational ones. Based on the extended functions for molecules, we can define modifications of valence angles, torsion around bondings as well as stretching/compressing within molecules.

Free programmability

If the functions integrated are not sufficient to solve the special problem, define new parameters and dependencies by means of the formula interpreter inside the program. This way, it is easy to describe parameter couplings which are not part of the standard program capacity (e.g. between different atomic positions).

Error analysis

Beside of the well-known R values, BGMN calculates random error for all parameters and arbitrary functions of them. Therefore, one can declare arbitrary functions as so-called GOAL's. For every GOAL, value and ESD are calculated.

Quantitative Phase Analysis

Because of the excellent stability of the algorithm, BGMN enables routine quantitative phase analysis without the time-consuming work of programming "refinement strategies" or "analytical tasks" for new sample groups. Some special methods to use the BGMN features in QPA are:
  • Use of Parameter Limits
  • for zero point correction (to avoid correlation with lattice parameters)
  • for cell parameters (to avoid meaningless results for minor phases, to define phases in substitutional series)
  • for occupation factors (to avoid correlation with PO correction model)
  • for peak width (to avoid "background- modeling" by a lot of broad lines of a minor phase)
  • Use of Anisotropic Parameters
  • anisotropic line broadening model applicable e.g. for phyllosilicates
  • complex models (spherical harmonics of different order) for preferred orientation correction
  • BGMN uses statistical tests to reduce the complexity of model in the case of lacking intensity. After running the foregoing refinement of the isotropic parameters, the program checks the calculated phase intensity. If it is to low (below a limit to define global in the configuration or individual in the structure file), BGMN reduces the order of the spherical harmonics PO model. This may be done down to isotropy, also for peak broadening. So, BGMN can start from the same structure model if the phase is a main component or a minor phase.
  • Use of Disordering Models
  • formula interpreter can be used to formulate disordering models into the structure description like individual broadening and shifting parameters of selected groups of hkl, e.g. with k* 3n
  • examples of this approach are published at EPDIC-5 [4].
  • Use in Serial Analysis
  • write in the batch file only the command lines

    bgmn controlfile1
    bgmn controlfile2

    and so on, and the refinement will done in fully automatic manner.

  • The control file contains only the name of device profile file, measurement file, structure files and output files. Predefining of background is not necessary. We analyzed series up to 50 samples, containing up to 12 phases and refining up to 152 parameters without any problems. Examples of analysis can be visited at

    http://www.mineral.tu-freiberg.de/mineralogie/bgmn/applications.html

Example of Routine Phase Analysis

An example of routine analysis will be presented here. The sample is a commercial slate, used in reconstruction of historical buildings. It was prepared by stepwise grinding and sieving smaller 20 µm and packing into standard front-loading sample holder. Special problems are the strong PO and the Mg-Fe- substitution in chlorite minerals. The refinement starts without any background separation. The cell parameters of all phases present had to be refined. Substitution of Mg-Fe at 3 positions in chlorite, Ca- Fe and Mg-Fe substitution in ankerite and the K+ occupation factor in muscovite were also refined. Anisotropic line broadening models for muscovite and chlorite were used. Isotropic crystallite size broadening model was introduced for all other phases, for ankerite additional microstrain broadening was assumed. The program had to refine 75 parameters at all. A PentiumII 200MHz processor needed 5 minutes 6 seconds to fit 2467 measuring values and 915 peaks without any user interaction. The complex PO starting models of albite, microcline and ankerite have been reduced automatic to isotropy. The iron substitution in ankerite was calculated to the predefined limits. The quantitative results are given in table 1.

Figure 1: Rietveld refinement plot of slate sample. Co-K* radiation, Rwp=13.81%, Rexp=9.85%, Durbin- Watson d=1.22


Table 1: Results of slate quantitative analysis

Note that the ankerite concentration calculated is near the detection limit but may be significant. The calculated individual PO correction factors of 00l chlorite and muscovite reflections are about 2.5. This is common value for layer silicates in front loading technique.

Structure Refinement of Organic Solids

Using the integrated formula interpreter, solid state structure refinement of organics is very easy to do by a four step procedure. Especially for polymers structure proposals are performed with reliability factors below 10% ([9],[10],[11],[12]). Here we present an overview about (IPA-HQ)n results [9].

Structureless Approximation The first step, the structureless approximation, results in unit cell parameters and information about symmetry operators.

Table 2: Test of symmetry operators for (IPA-HQ)n

Molecular Chain Model A molecule can be described by means of a graph tree model ([6]) using internal coordinates, recalculate the cartesian ones, shift it to the origin and orient it to one of the cartesian planes with one of its mean axis of inertia. Defining the parameters for global movement (rho x,y,z and SP vector) and internal conformation (bond length, bond angle and torsion angle) and the bondings between the atoms, the refinement procedure can be started.

Figure 2: Asymmetric unit of (IPA-HQ)n (gray = C, light gray = H, dark = O)

Empirical Force Field Model The combination of XPD Rietveld refinement with empirical force field energy minimization can favor a given approximation result [11], including nonbonding and penalty functions. Nonbonding terms like Lennard Jones potential avoid overlapping of atoms. Penalties enable a correct chain continuation [9], [10] or ring closures [11],[12].

Table 3: Constants of atom types for nonbonding interactions used for (IPA-HQ)n

Table 4: Constants of penalty functions for bonding interactions used for (IPA-HQ)n

Other BGMN features used Major effects for improvement to the reliability factor can be achieved, since sample dependent effects would be respected. These are at first a preferred orientation of the crystallites, at second respecting possible micro strains in anisotropic form or at third special Debye-Waller factors for special atom types, which can be anisotropic also. The effects are decreasing in the called series. But note: Applying of these features should only be done, if one can be sure having the best result of approximation without.

The summary of results can be seen in table 5. We also added the obtained scattering pattern including the approximation in figure 3. All results (the fractional coordinates and the structure factors F ) are published in a previous paper [17]. An optical expression can be seen at [13]. But note, this can be a structure proposal only because of the available experimental information.

Table 5: Summary of results of structure investigations of (IPA-HQ)n

Figure 3: Approximation of (IPA-HQ)n internal structure parameter

Summary

BGMN is a newly developed Rietveld program with many advantageous features like
  • fundamental parameters peak shape model
  • PO correction uses modified spherical harmonics
  • possible parametrization of atomic substitution
  • structure language is interpreted by formula interpreter:
    • arbitrary variables may be declared as "refineable parameters"
    • arbitrary refined parameters may be declared anisotropic
    • crystallographic values like atomic co- ordinates, substitutions, lattice constants, line broadening etc. may be defined as arbitrary formulae depending from arbitrary variables (including parameters)
    • arbitrary formulae may be declared as result values (GOAL's).
  • structure language is able to handle molecules
  • structure language is extended for force field description.

This unique feature list enables BGMN to solve different problems. Until now, BGMN was used successfully in quantitative analysis and structure investigations of organic solids.

Postscriptum

The authors wish to thank L.M.D. Cranswick for inviting to publish this paper in CPD Newsletters. They ask to apologize for it's formality and length: It has to been written during a single week, only.

References

  1. Le Bail, Duroy and Fourquet. Mater. Res. Bull., 23, 1988, 447-452
  2. J. Bergmann, http://www.mineral.tu-freiberg.de/mineralogie/bgmn/index.html
  3. J. Bergmann, R. Kleeberg, T. Taut and A. Haase, Quantitative Phase Analysis Using a new Rietveld Algorithm - Assisted by Improved Stability and Convergence Behavior. Advances in X ray Analysis 40 (1997) (in press)
  4. J. Bergmann and R. Kleeberg, Rietveld Analysis of disordered layer silicates Mater.Sci. Forum (1998) (accepted)
  5. E.F. Bertaut, Raies de Debye-Scherrer et Repartition des Dimensions de Bragg dans les Poudres Polycristallines Acta Cryst. 3 14-18 (1950)
  6. G. Biess. Graphentheorie, MIN -OL 212, BSB B.G.Teubner Verlagsgesellschaft Leipzig, 1988
  7. Cagliotti, Paoletti and Ricci, Nucl. Instrum. V3 223-228 (1958)
  8. R.W. Cheary, A. Coelho, J. Appl. Cryst. 25 109-121 (1992)
  9. W.A. Dollase, Correction of Intensities for Preferred Orientation in Powder Diffractometry: Application of the March Model, J. Appl. Cryst. 19 267-272 (1986)
  10. P. Friedel, J. Bergmann, D. Pospiech, D. Jehnichen WAXS and force field constrained RIETVELD modeling of meta-linked fully aromatic copolyesters, 2. Poly(p-phenylene terephthalate p- phenylene isophthalate) Polymer (subm. 7/98)
  11. P. Friedel, J. Tobisch, D. Jehnichen, T. Taut, M. Rillich, C. Kunert and F. Böhme. Structure investigations of molecular crystals containing the ring system cyclo-tris(2,6-pyridyl formamidine) by means of XPD and force field constrained Rietveld refinement J. Appl. Cryst. (1998) (accepted)
  12. P. Friedel, D. Jehnichen, J. Bergmann, T. Taut, and A. Haase, Application of RIETVELD refinement combined with force field energy minimization to structure investigation of cyclotris(2,6-pyridyl formamidine) Adv. X-Ray Anal. 41 (1998) (accepted)
  13. P. Friedel, http://www.ipfdd.de/people/friedel/homepage.htm
  14. W.F. van Gunsteren and H. J. C. Berendsen. Moleküldynamik-computersimulationen: Methodik, Anwendungen und Perspektiven in der Chemie Angew. Chem. 102 1020-1055 (1990)
  15. T. C. Huang, W. Parrish, Adv. X-Ray Analysis 21 275- 288 (1978)
  16. M. Järvinen, J. Appl. Cryst. 26 525-532 (1993)
  17. D. Jehnichen, P. Friedel, J. Bergmann, D. Pospiech and J. Tobisch, Polymer 39 1095-1102 (1997)
  18. M. A. Krivoglaz, X-rays & Neutron Diffraction in Non- Ideal Crystals (1994)
  19. A.C. Larson and R.B. von Dreele, General Structure Analysis System Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM, USA, 1985-96
  20. D. Melcher, diploma thesis, TU Dresden 1988
  21. H.M. Rietveld, Acta Cryst. 2 151-152 (1967) and J. Appl. Cryst. 2 65-71 (1969)
  22. H. Sadowski, Beiträge zur numerischen Mathematik, 3 131-147 (1975)
  23. H. Schwetlick, Numerische Lösung nichtlinearer Gleichungen, Berlin 1979
  24. T. Taut and J. Bergmann, Manual "Rietveld Analysis Program BGMN", Seifert-FPM Freiberg i. Sa, 1998
  25. S.J. Weiner, P.A. Kollman, D.T. Nguyen and D.A. Case, J. Comput. Chem. 7 230-252 (1986)



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