Diffraction plays a crucial role in the analysis of X-rays, especially in determining the atomic and molecular structure of materials. This technique is known as X-ray diffraction (XRD).
When a beam of X-rays strikes a crystalline solid, the atoms in the crystal cause the X-rays to diffract in specific directions. Since the atoms in a crystal are arranged in regular, repeating patterns (like layers of a 3D grid), the X-rays are scattered by the electrons around the atoms in a predictable way.
The diffracted X-rays interfere with each other—constructively or destructively—based on their path differences. By measuring the angles and intensities of these diffracted beams, scientists can deduce the spacing between atomic planes, the arrangement of atoms, and even the type of atoms present in the material.
This information helps in:
- Identifying unknown materials
- Analyzing crystal structure
- Studying phase transitions
- Designing new materials (in chemistry, physics, and materials science)
XRD is fundamental in areas like mineralogy, metallurgy, biology (e.g., protein crystallography), and nanotechnology. Without diffraction, such detailed insights into microscopic structures would not be possible.