Single crystal structure analysis of a single Sm2Fe17N3 particle

We performed single crystal structure analysis of Sm2Fe17N3 using X-ray diffraction. A pick-up system combined with a micromanipulation tool driven by piezoelectric actuators and a microgripper was used. A single Sm2Fe17Nx particle with the diameter of about 20 mu m was picked up, and X-ray diffraction was measured using an X-ray diffractometer at the synchrotron radiation beamline at the Photon Factory, KEK. Single crystal structure analysis of a Sm2Fe17N3 particle was performed and the structure was successfully determined from X-ray diffraction patterns. The space group and the lattice constants were determined to be R-3m (#166) a = b = 8.7206 angstrom and c = 12.6345 angstrom, respectively. Atomic positions of Sm and Fe atoms were accurately determined by single crystal structure analysis of only one particle. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.