X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analyzer upgrade

This request seeks $21,000 to repair the X-ray Powder Diffractometer (XRPD), which is operated by the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS). The KGS-XRPD has supported UK research and teaching since its acquisition in 2006. The XRPD is routinely used by many faculty members, in several departments across the UK campus, to support research and publications. The XRPD is a crucially important technique to characterize the mineral phases in solid materials. Additionally, and uniquely, the KGS XRPD facility provides direct access operational training on the XRPD unit for faculty and students. This provides researchers with the ability to analyze samples on their own with experienced personnel present to provide help whenever needed.