phase problem

The phase problem refers to a challenge in physics and materials science, particularly in crystallography, where scientists struggle to determine the "phase" of waves, such as X-rays, scattered by a crystal. Unlike amplitude, which is straightforward to measure, phase information is often lost in experimental data. This missing phase information is crucial for accurately reconstructing the crystal structure. Without it, researchers face difficulties in understanding the arrangement of atoms in a material, which is essential for developing new technologies and medications. Solving this problem is key to advancing our knowledge of various substances at the atomic level.