SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 28
X-Ray Diffraction
Bindu Kshtriya
DISCOVERY OF X-RAY
Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered x-
radiation in 1895
In 1912, Friedrich, Knipping, and von Laue
demonstrated diffraction of x-radiation
passing through a crystal
The wavelength of x-radiation ranges from
10-6 to 10-1 nm
2
W Cathode CuAnode
(-) (+)
X -rays
electrons
X-RAY GENERATION
ENERGY LEVELS
XRD
The atomic planes of a crystal
cause an incident beam of X-
rays to interfere with one
another as they leave the
crystal. The phenomenon is
called X-ray diffraction.
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF X-RAY
DIFFRACTION
Constructive and Destructive
Interference of Waves
Constructive Interference
In Phase
Destructive Interference
Out of Phase
smallest building block
c
a
b a
g
Unit cell
(Å)
CsCl
b
d1
Lattice d2
A crystal consists of a periodic arrangement of the unit cell into a
lattice. The unit cell can contain a single atom or atoms in a fixed
arrangement.
Crystals consist of planes of atoms that are spaced a distance d apart,
but can be resolved into many atomic planes, each with a different d
spacing.
A , b and c (length) and a α, β and γ angles between a , b and c are lattice
constants or parameters which can be determined by XRD.
SEVEN CRYSTAL SYSTEM
MILLER INDICES
Miller indices-the reciprocals of the
fractional intercepts which the
plane
makes with crystallographic axes
Axial length 4Å 8Å
3Å
Intercept lengths 1Å 4Å
3Å
Fractional intercepts ¼ ½ 1
Miller indices 4 2 1
h k l
Several Atomic Planes and Their d-spacings
in
a Simple Cubic
a b c
1 0 0
1 0 0
a b c
1 1 1
1 1 1
a b c
1 1 0
1 1 0
a b c
0 1 ½
0 1 2
Cubic
a=b=c=a
0
WHY XRD
• Measure the average spacings between
layers or rows of atoms
• Determine the orientation of a single
crystal or grain
• Find the crystal structure of an unknown
material
• Measure the size, shape and internal
stress of small crystalline regions
X-RAY POWDER
DIFFRACTION
X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) is a
rapid analytical technique primarily used
for phase identification of a crystalline
material and can provide information on
unit cell dimensions. The analyzed
material is finely ground, homogenized,
and average bulk composition is
determined
X-RAY POWDER
DIFFRACTOMETER1.) The X-ray
tube
2.) The flat specimen
3.) The goniometer circle
5.) A slit
6.) A filter
7.) The detector
4.) Monochromator
Basic Features of Typical XRD
Experiment
Steps involved :-1.) Sample preparation
2.) Generate Analytical X-rays
3.)Direct the X-rays at a Powdered Specimen
4.) Measure X-Rays “Diffracted” by the
specimen and obtain a diffraction pattern
5.) Determine the Crystalline Phases
Present in the specimen
DETECTORS
PHOTOGRAPHIC
METHODS
GEIGER MULLER
TUBE METHOD
PROPORTIONAL
COUNTER
SCINTILLATION
DETECTOR
COUNTER
METHODS
DIFFRACTION SPECTRA
INTERPRETATION OF
DATA
•International Centre Diffraction Data (ICDD) or
formerly known as (JCPDS) Joint Committee on
Powder Diffraction Standards is the organization that
maintains the data base of inorganic and organic
spectra.
•The data base is available from the Diffraction
equipment manufacturers or from ICDD direct.
•Currently the data base is supplied either on magnetic
or optical media. Two data base versions are available
the
PDF I and the PDF II.
•The PDF I data base contains information on d-spacing,
chemical formula, relative intensity, RIR quality information and
routing digit.
•The information is stored in an ASCII format in a file called
PDF1.dat. For search/match purposes most diffraction
manufactures are reformatting the file in a more efficient binary
format.
•The PDF II data base contains full information on a particular
phase including cell parameters. Scintag’s newest search/match
and look-up software package is using the PDF II format.
•Optimized data base formats, index files and
high performance PC-computers make PDF II search times
extremely efficient.
Significance of Peaks in XRD
1. Peak position
2. Peak width
3. Peak intensity
4. Peak area
5. Peak shape
omy” of the XRD pattern
rmation content of an idealized diffraction pattern.
28
Uses of X-Ray Powder
Diffraction
• Identification of single-phase materials –
minerals, chemical compounds, ceramics or
other engineered materials.
• Identification of multiple phases in
microcrystalline mixtures (i.e., rocks)
• Determination of the crystal structure of
identified materials
• Identification and structural analysis of clay
minerals
• Recognition of amorphous materials in
partially crystalline mixtures
Applications of XRD
• XRD is a non destructive technique
• To identify crystalline phases and orientation
• To determine structural properties:
Lattice parameters (10-4Å), strain, grain size,
expitaxy, phase composition, preferred orientation
(Laue) order-disorder transformation, thermal
expansion
• To measure thickness of thin films and multi-layers*
• To determine atomic arrangement
• Detection limits: ~3% in a two phase mixture; can be
~0.1% with synchrotron radiation
Spatial resolution: normally none
Thank you
Bindu Kshtriya

More Related Content

What's hot

X ray diffraction
X ray diffractionX ray diffraction
X ray diffraction
Shivaram
 

What's hot (20)

X ray diffraction
X ray diffractionX ray diffraction
X ray diffraction
 
principles of xrd
principles of xrdprinciples of xrd
principles of xrd
 
X ray diffraction
X ray diffraction X ray diffraction
X ray diffraction
 
x ray crystallography & diffraction
x ray crystallography & diffractionx ray crystallography & diffraction
x ray crystallography & diffraction
 
XRD
XRD XRD
XRD
 
XRD principle and application
XRD principle and applicationXRD principle and application
XRD principle and application
 
XRD-Rotating Crystal Technique.
XRD-Rotating Crystal Technique.XRD-Rotating Crystal Technique.
XRD-Rotating Crystal Technique.
 
X ray diffraction ppt
X ray diffraction pptX ray diffraction ppt
X ray diffraction ppt
 
x-ray crystallography,bragg's law,different x-ray diffraction technique,laue ...
x-ray crystallography,bragg's law,different x-ray diffraction technique,laue ...x-ray crystallography,bragg's law,different x-ray diffraction technique,laue ...
x-ray crystallography,bragg's law,different x-ray diffraction technique,laue ...
 
X ray diffraction
X ray diffractionX ray diffraction
X ray diffraction
 
x-ray-diffraction-technique
x-ray-diffraction-techniquex-ray-diffraction-technique
x-ray-diffraction-technique
 
X ray powder diffraction
X ray powder diffractionX ray powder diffraction
X ray powder diffraction
 
X ray diff lecture 3
X ray diff lecture 3X ray diff lecture 3
X ray diff lecture 3
 
Electron diffraction and Neutron diffraction
Electron diffraction and Neutron diffractionElectron diffraction and Neutron diffraction
Electron diffraction and Neutron diffraction
 
xrd basic
 xrd basic xrd basic
xrd basic
 
X –ray diffraction
X –ray diffractionX –ray diffraction
X –ray diffraction
 
X ray diffraction
X ray diffractionX ray diffraction
X ray diffraction
 
Xrd
XrdXrd
Xrd
 
X ray diffraction studies
X ray diffraction studies X ray diffraction studies
X ray diffraction studies
 
X-ray diffraction analysis for material Characterization
X-ray diffraction analysis for material CharacterizationX-ray diffraction analysis for material Characterization
X-ray diffraction analysis for material Characterization
 

Similar to X-ray diffraction

XRD-calculations and characterization.pdf
XRD-calculations and characterization.pdfXRD-calculations and characterization.pdf
XRD-calculations and characterization.pdf
EmadElsehly
 
X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)
X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)
X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)
Sumit Tiwari
 
X ray powder diffraction
X ray powder diffractionX ray powder diffraction
X ray powder diffraction
Amit Shah
 

Similar to X-ray diffraction (20)

X-ray diffraction technique (xrd)
X-ray diffraction technique  (xrd)X-ray diffraction technique  (xrd)
X-ray diffraction technique (xrd)
 
11 chapter 4 (1)
11 chapter 4 (1)11 chapter 4 (1)
11 chapter 4 (1)
 
some active beamlines properties
some active beamlines propertiessome active beamlines properties
some active beamlines properties
 
Fundemendals of X Ray Difraction Spectroscopy
Fundemendals of X Ray Difraction SpectroscopyFundemendals of X Ray Difraction Spectroscopy
Fundemendals of X Ray Difraction Spectroscopy
 
X ray diffraction or braggs diffraction or
X ray diffraction or braggs diffraction orX ray diffraction or braggs diffraction or
X ray diffraction or braggs diffraction or
 
XRD-calculations and characterization.pdf
XRD-calculations and characterization.pdfXRD-calculations and characterization.pdf
XRD-calculations and characterization.pdf
 
X ray crystallography
X ray  crystallographyX ray  crystallography
X ray crystallography
 
X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)
X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)
X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)
 
XRD Proposal
XRD ProposalXRD Proposal
XRD Proposal
 
X ray spectroscopy tools for the characterization of nanoparticles
X ray spectroscopy tools for the characterization of nanoparticlesX ray spectroscopy tools for the characterization of nanoparticles
X ray spectroscopy tools for the characterization of nanoparticles
 
X ray spectroscopy tools for the characterization of nanoparticles
X ray spectroscopy tools for the characterization of nanoparticlesX ray spectroscopy tools for the characterization of nanoparticles
X ray spectroscopy tools for the characterization of nanoparticles
 
X-Ray Diffraction By Dr Vimarsha Bhatkalkar
X-Ray Diffraction By  Dr Vimarsha BhatkalkarX-Ray Diffraction By  Dr Vimarsha Bhatkalkar
X-Ray Diffraction By Dr Vimarsha Bhatkalkar
 
X ray diffraction.pptx
X ray diffraction.pptxX ray diffraction.pptx
X ray diffraction.pptx
 
X ray crystallography
X ray crystallographyX ray crystallography
X ray crystallography
 
X ray crystallography
X ray crystallographyX ray crystallography
X ray crystallography
 
Xrd nanomaterials course_s2015_bates
Xrd nanomaterials course_s2015_batesXrd nanomaterials course_s2015_bates
Xrd nanomaterials course_s2015_bates
 
X ray powder diffraction
X ray powder diffractionX ray powder diffraction
X ray powder diffraction
 
X-Ray Diffraction Technique
X-Ray Diffraction TechniqueX-Ray Diffraction Technique
X-Ray Diffraction Technique
 
X ray crystallography to visualize protein structure.
X ray crystallography to visualize protein structure.X ray crystallography to visualize protein structure.
X ray crystallography to visualize protein structure.
 
XRD.pdf
XRD.pdfXRD.pdf
XRD.pdf
 

More from Bindu Kshtriya

More from Bindu Kshtriya (20)

Pre-Grant & Post- Grant Opposition to IPRs in India
Pre-Grant & Post- Grant Opposition to IPRs in IndiaPre-Grant & Post- Grant Opposition to IPRs in India
Pre-Grant & Post- Grant Opposition to IPRs in India
 
CDSCO- SUGAM
CDSCO- SUGAMCDSCO- SUGAM
CDSCO- SUGAM
 
CDSCO- Functions & Responsibilities
CDSCO- Functions & ResponsibilitiesCDSCO- Functions & Responsibilities
CDSCO- Functions & Responsibilities
 
Research, Types and objectives of research
Research, Types and objectives of research Research, Types and objectives of research
Research, Types and objectives of research
 
Patent Filing in India
Patent Filing in IndiaPatent Filing in India
Patent Filing in India
 
Regulation of Cosmetics as per drug & cosmetic act, India
Regulation of Cosmetics as per drug & cosmetic act, India Regulation of Cosmetics as per drug & cosmetic act, India
Regulation of Cosmetics as per drug & cosmetic act, India
 
Size exclusion chromatography
Size exclusion chromatography Size exclusion chromatography
Size exclusion chromatography
 
High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography
High Performance Thin Layer ChromatographyHigh Performance Thin Layer Chromatography
High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography
 
Electrophoresis- separation by charge migration
Electrophoresis- separation by charge migrationElectrophoresis- separation by charge migration
Electrophoresis- separation by charge migration
 
Common Technical Document
Common Technical DocumentCommon Technical Document
Common Technical Document
 
New drug application
New drug applicationNew drug application
New drug application
 
Drugs cosmectics act& rules thereunder
Drugs cosmectics act& rules thereunderDrugs cosmectics act& rules thereunder
Drugs cosmectics act& rules thereunder
 
Thermal analysis 4
Thermal analysis  4Thermal analysis  4
Thermal analysis 4
 
US EPA
 US EPA US EPA
US EPA
 
REGULATION of biotechnological products as per spa
REGULATION of biotechnological products as per spa REGULATION of biotechnological products as per spa
REGULATION of biotechnological products as per spa
 
COMPTITION ACT,2002
COMPTITION  ACT,2002COMPTITION  ACT,2002
COMPTITION ACT,2002
 
conduct of Pharmacovigilance for centrally authorized products
conduct of Pharmacovigilance for centrally authorized products  conduct of Pharmacovigilance for centrally authorized products
conduct of Pharmacovigilance for centrally authorized products
 
Errors in pharmaceutical analysis
Errors  in  pharmaceutical  analysis Errors  in  pharmaceutical  analysis
Errors in pharmaceutical analysis
 
Form483 warning letter issued to pharmaceutical companies by Bindu Kshtriya
Form483 warning letter issued to pharmaceutical companies by Bindu KshtriyaForm483 warning letter issued to pharmaceutical companies by Bindu Kshtriya
Form483 warning letter issued to pharmaceutical companies by Bindu Kshtriya
 
M/s santuka associate pvt ltd vs AIOCD & ors
M/s santuka associate pvt ltd vs AIOCD & ors M/s santuka associate pvt ltd vs AIOCD & ors
M/s santuka associate pvt ltd vs AIOCD & ors
 

Recently uploaded

Making and Justifying Mathematical Decisions.pdf
Making and Justifying Mathematical Decisions.pdfMaking and Justifying Mathematical Decisions.pdf
Making and Justifying Mathematical Decisions.pdf
Chris Hunter
 
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
kauryashika82
 
Gardella_Mateo_IntellectualProperty.pdf.
Gardella_Mateo_IntellectualProperty.pdf.Gardella_Mateo_IntellectualProperty.pdf.
Gardella_Mateo_IntellectualProperty.pdf.
MateoGardella
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
QucHHunhnh
 

Recently uploaded (20)

fourth grading exam for kindergarten in writing
fourth grading exam for kindergarten in writingfourth grading exam for kindergarten in writing
fourth grading exam for kindergarten in writing
 
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptxUnit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
Unit-V; Pricing (Pharma Marketing Management).pptx
 
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
 
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
 
Mixin Classes in Odoo 17 How to Extend Models Using Mixin Classes
Mixin Classes in Odoo 17  How to Extend Models Using Mixin ClassesMixin Classes in Odoo 17  How to Extend Models Using Mixin Classes
Mixin Classes in Odoo 17 How to Extend Models Using Mixin Classes
 
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptxINDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
INDIA QUIZ 2024 RLAC DELHI UNIVERSITY.pptx
 
Making and Justifying Mathematical Decisions.pdf
Making and Justifying Mathematical Decisions.pdfMaking and Justifying Mathematical Decisions.pdf
Making and Justifying Mathematical Decisions.pdf
 
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
 
SECOND SEMESTER TOPIC COVERAGE SY 2023-2024 Trends, Networks, and Critical Th...
SECOND SEMESTER TOPIC COVERAGE SY 2023-2024 Trends, Networks, and Critical Th...SECOND SEMESTER TOPIC COVERAGE SY 2023-2024 Trends, Networks, and Critical Th...
SECOND SEMESTER TOPIC COVERAGE SY 2023-2024 Trends, Networks, and Critical Th...
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
 
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptxUnit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
Unit-IV; Professional Sales Representative (PSR).pptx
 
Z Score,T Score, Percential Rank and Box Plot Graph
Z Score,T Score, Percential Rank and Box Plot GraphZ Score,T Score, Percential Rank and Box Plot Graph
Z Score,T Score, Percential Rank and Box Plot Graph
 
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
 
Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdfClass 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
 
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsIntroduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
 
Gardella_Mateo_IntellectualProperty.pdf.
Gardella_Mateo_IntellectualProperty.pdf.Gardella_Mateo_IntellectualProperty.pdf.
Gardella_Mateo_IntellectualProperty.pdf.
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
 
This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.
This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.
This PowerPoint helps students to consider the concept of infinity.
 
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdfWeb & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
 

X-ray diffraction

  • 2. DISCOVERY OF X-RAY Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered x- radiation in 1895 In 1912, Friedrich, Knipping, and von Laue demonstrated diffraction of x-radiation passing through a crystal The wavelength of x-radiation ranges from 10-6 to 10-1 nm 2
  • 3. W Cathode CuAnode (-) (+) X -rays electrons X-RAY GENERATION
  • 5. XRD The atomic planes of a crystal cause an incident beam of X- rays to interfere with one another as they leave the crystal. The phenomenon is called X-ray diffraction.
  • 6. SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF X-RAY DIFFRACTION
  • 7.
  • 8.
  • 9. Constructive and Destructive Interference of Waves Constructive Interference In Phase Destructive Interference Out of Phase
  • 10. smallest building block c a b a g Unit cell (Å) CsCl b d1 Lattice d2 A crystal consists of a periodic arrangement of the unit cell into a lattice. The unit cell can contain a single atom or atoms in a fixed arrangement. Crystals consist of planes of atoms that are spaced a distance d apart, but can be resolved into many atomic planes, each with a different d spacing. A , b and c (length) and a α, β and γ angles between a , b and c are lattice constants or parameters which can be determined by XRD.
  • 12. MILLER INDICES Miller indices-the reciprocals of the fractional intercepts which the plane makes with crystallographic axes Axial length 4Å 8Å 3Å Intercept lengths 1Å 4Å 3Å Fractional intercepts ¼ ½ 1 Miller indices 4 2 1 h k l
  • 13. Several Atomic Planes and Their d-spacings in a Simple Cubic a b c 1 0 0 1 0 0 a b c 1 1 1 1 1 1 a b c 1 1 0 1 1 0 a b c 0 1 ½ 0 1 2 Cubic a=b=c=a 0
  • 14. WHY XRD • Measure the average spacings between layers or rows of atoms • Determine the orientation of a single crystal or grain • Find the crystal structure of an unknown material • Measure the size, shape and internal stress of small crystalline regions
  • 15. X-RAY POWDER DIFFRACTION X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) is a rapid analytical technique primarily used for phase identification of a crystalline material and can provide information on unit cell dimensions. The analyzed material is finely ground, homogenized, and average bulk composition is determined
  • 16.
  • 17. X-RAY POWDER DIFFRACTOMETER1.) The X-ray tube 2.) The flat specimen 3.) The goniometer circle 5.) A slit 6.) A filter 7.) The detector 4.) Monochromator
  • 18. Basic Features of Typical XRD Experiment
  • 19. Steps involved :-1.) Sample preparation 2.) Generate Analytical X-rays 3.)Direct the X-rays at a Powdered Specimen 4.) Measure X-Rays “Diffracted” by the specimen and obtain a diffraction pattern 5.) Determine the Crystalline Phases Present in the specimen
  • 22. INTERPRETATION OF DATA •International Centre Diffraction Data (ICDD) or formerly known as (JCPDS) Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards is the organization that maintains the data base of inorganic and organic spectra. •The data base is available from the Diffraction equipment manufacturers or from ICDD direct. •Currently the data base is supplied either on magnetic or optical media. Two data base versions are available the PDF I and the PDF II.
  • 23. •The PDF I data base contains information on d-spacing, chemical formula, relative intensity, RIR quality information and routing digit. •The information is stored in an ASCII format in a file called PDF1.dat. For search/match purposes most diffraction manufactures are reformatting the file in a more efficient binary format. •The PDF II data base contains full information on a particular phase including cell parameters. Scintag’s newest search/match and look-up software package is using the PDF II format. •Optimized data base formats, index files and high performance PC-computers make PDF II search times extremely efficient.
  • 24. Significance of Peaks in XRD 1. Peak position 2. Peak width 3. Peak intensity 4. Peak area 5. Peak shape
  • 25. omy” of the XRD pattern rmation content of an idealized diffraction pattern. 28
  • 26. Uses of X-Ray Powder Diffraction • Identification of single-phase materials – minerals, chemical compounds, ceramics or other engineered materials. • Identification of multiple phases in microcrystalline mixtures (i.e., rocks) • Determination of the crystal structure of identified materials • Identification and structural analysis of clay minerals • Recognition of amorphous materials in partially crystalline mixtures
  • 27. Applications of XRD • XRD is a non destructive technique • To identify crystalline phases and orientation • To determine structural properties: Lattice parameters (10-4Å), strain, grain size, expitaxy, phase composition, preferred orientation (Laue) order-disorder transformation, thermal expansion • To measure thickness of thin films and multi-layers* • To determine atomic arrangement • Detection limits: ~3% in a two phase mixture; can be ~0.1% with synchrotron radiation Spatial resolution: normally none