The multi-angle x-ray diffractometer system (MAXS) incorporates a high-brightness rotating-anode x-ray generator, focusing optics, and a two-dimensional detector. The Bruker Nonius FR591 rotating-anode x-ray generator together with Osmic Max-Flux optics and pinhole collimation produce a bright, highly collimated beam. A Bruker Hi-Star multiwire detector provides highly sensitive area detection with very low dark current. An integral vacuum is maintained between the generator and the detector. This arrangement substantially reduces both attenuation and small-angle scattering by air and windows. An entire diffraction pattern from a liquid crystal or polymer can be measured in several minutes, to be compared with the hours required for a conventional triple-axis, single-channel diffractometer.

The MAXS system incorporates four fixed positions for sample placement, corresponding to different ranges of probed d-spacing. See table below for details.

A temperature control stage can be mounted in any of the three fixed positions. It provides temperature control to better than 0.1 C in the range 0-300 C.

A variety of specimen holders are available to readily mount samples in a transmission geometry. The specimen holders can accommodate capillaries (powders or fluids), fibers, gels, and films.