Method and apparatus for surface mapping using in-plane grazing incidence diffraction

An apparatus for examining the surface of a crystalline sample using in-plane grazing incidence diffraction, the apparatus comprising:

• an x-ray source that generates an x-ray beam that is incident on the sample at an angle relative to the sample surface that results in the generation of an in-plane grazing incidence x-ray diffraction signal from sections of the sample having a crystal structure in a specific orientation, the beam simultaneously illuminating a sample region that extends substantially the entire length of the sample in a first direction;
• a position sensitive x-ray detector that receives the x-ray diffraction signal, the diffraction signal having a spatial profile that corresponds to the illuminated region of the sample;
• and
• a displacement mechanism for changing the relative position of the x-ray beam and the sample so as to change the region of the sample that is illuminated thereby.