Diffraction Methods

Diffraction methods are techniques used to study materials at the atomic or molecular level by analyzing how waves—such as X-rays, electrons, or neutrons—scatter when they encounter a sample. When these waves hit the internal structure, they bend and interfere in specific patterns that reveal information about the material's arrangement. By examining these diffraction patterns, scientists can determine the structure, spacing, and bonding of atoms within a substance, aiding in the understanding of materials like crystals, minerals, and complex biological molecules.