2Theta magazine

Started in 2018 and produced in house by Proto, 2theta Magazine features accessible articles on exciting x-ray developments, highlights from our team, and fun activities. If you are interested in submitting an article or idea for a future issue of 2theta, we would love to hear from you. Please contact the editor at 2theta@protoxrd.com.

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2theta Magazine
Fall 2022 - Current Issue

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2theta spring 2020 issue

2theta Magazine
Spring 2020

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2theta spring 2019 issue

2theta Magazine
Spring 2019

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2theta spring 2019 issue

2theta Magazine
Spring 2018

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Individual Articles

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The Next Step in Nuclear Energy

Custom XRD

Due to both supply issues and the harmful effects of fossil fuels on air quality, pollution, and the global climate, it is becoming increasingly clear that fossil fuels are not a sustainable long-term source of energy. For these reasons, many experts are adamant that a cleaner, more sustainable form of energy must be adopted soon, and nuclear energy offers a promising possibility.

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X-ray Crystallography’s Role in Combating COVID-19

X-ray Diffraction

When the COVID-19 pandemic began and scientists around the world scrambled to learn about it as quickly as possible, x-ray diffraction was one of several highly developed methods available to play a large role in their research.

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Making History with Ancient Specimens

X-ray Diffraction

Historical objects hold special significance in humankind’s understanding of culture. Well-preserved relics are rare and often delicate, but researchers go to great lengths to study them, as they can provide unique insight into unfamiliar ancient worlds.

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The Stresses of Aircraft Safety

Residual Stress & Retained Austenite

When an aircraft component is manufactured, great care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the material’s size, shape, and properties. Given the importance of these parts in maintaining the safety of aircraft, the consequences would be dire if the proper safety measures were not strictly adhered to.

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Visualizing Stuctural DiverCT

X-ray Imaging

For most people, computed tomography (CT) scanning is a familiar medical term for a diagnostic x-ray test. They may have even had a CT (or CAT) scan ordered by one of their doctors for investigation of the head, the abdomen, or another part of the body. However, the uses of CT scanning extend well past the medical field.

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Taking the Pulse of Marine Ecosystems

Powder Diffraction

Climate change is widely viewed as one of the greatest challenges of our time. From clean electricity to paper straws, both governments and individuals have taken extensive measures to reduce its effects. The earth is currently experiencing a global warming event, which is resulting in a steady increase in global temperature, melting glacial ice, extreme weather, and substantial changes to our oceans.

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I, XRD, Robot

Automation

When most of us think of robots, we tend to think of large industrial robots that assemble parts inside a factory, performing such tasks as welding cars, assembling electronics, or sorting and inspecting parts. Having the ability to repeat the same task without a break for 24 hours per day, robots have proven to be an ideal way to increase efficiency and part consistency.

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3D Printing & Residual Stress

Residual Stress & Retained Austenite

3D printing is revolutionizing how we create products. For a few hundred dollars, we can now buy printers that can print plastic 3D models, which can help us conceptualize ideas, and in some cases, these models can even be used as working devices. More advanced printers available for as low as $10,000 can be used to print carbon fiber and form very solid and reliable parts.

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Discovering Mars, one Sample at a time

Powder Diffraction

Mars is one of the most talked-about and researched planets in our galaxy; humankind’s curiosity about the possibility of life outside of Earth is a driving force behind the efforts. Given that a human mission to Mars seems to be inevitable in the future, it is important to do as much research as possible in advance to be best prepared for what may come.

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Conjugated Materials Towards Wearable Electronic Devices

Powder Diffraction

The internet has connected our world in ways no one could have imagined. No longer just connecting our personal computers, the internet now connects our cars, phones, personal electronics, and even our refrigerators. This is just the beginning of the new “internet of things” that attempts to connect us in even more unique ways.

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Holding Open Micropores with Water

Powder Diffraction

Porous solids are materials that contain cavities, channels, or interstices. Depending on the size and shape of the pores and the chemical surfaces lining them, they can be used for applications ranging from separations and catalysis to sensing and delivery vessels.

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Reactions in the Solid State

Powder Diffraction

Making chemistry safer and more environmentally friendly, while improving efficiency and speed, is a fascinating challenge being tackled by the Tomislav Friščić group at McGill University. A number of advantages are gained by performing chemical reactions in the solid state instead of using traditional solvents.

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