Ball-mapping system and method of operating the same

A ball-mapping system connectable to an X-ray diffraction apparatus, for collecting X-ray diffraction data at measurement points located on a ball-shaped sample, the ball-mapping system comprising:

• a sample stage, comprising:
• a sample-contacting surface onto which the ball-shaped sample is placeable;
• and
• a guide assembly cooperating with the sample-contacting surface for guiding the sample-contacting surface along a first axis and along a second axis unparallel to the first axis;
• a sample holder for keeping the ball-shaped sample in contact with the sample stage;
• a motor assembly in driving engagement with the guide assembly, the motor assembly driving the sample-contacting surface in translational movement along the first axis and the second axis, the translational movement of the sample-contacting surface causing the ball-shaped sample to rotate, on the sample-contacting surface along the first axis and the second axis;
• and
• a control unit for controlling the motor assembly and directing movement of the sample stage such that X-ray diffraction data is collected at each one of the measurement points.