5. Chemical analysis and study of layer texture

With the X-ray techniques presented so far, we've seen how to assess layer density, thickness and roughness. We'll now look at how to study the chemical nature and microcrystallinity of layers, often referred to as texture. In fact, most of the X-ray analysis methods classically used for solid materials can be adapted to the case of surface layers. As with other surface examination techniques, the solution is the same as that described above: the excitation of surface layers is favoured by using grazing incidences, and the thickness concerned is thus adjusted. A number of commercial devices offer electronic fixtures and detectors suitable for surface studies. In particular, localization detectors enable simultaneous recording of X-ray photons emitted over a wide angular range.