Powder Diffraction File (PDF)

The Powder Diffraction File (PDF) is a comprehensive database that contains information on the crystal structures of various materials, particularly powders. Scientists use it to identify substances based on their unique diffraction patterns, which are produced when X-rays interact with their crystalline structure. The PDF helps in fields like chemistry, materials science, and geology by providing a reference for identifying unknown materials, confirming the composition of samples, and aiding in the development of new materials. Essentially, it functions as a catalog of patterns that reveal the arrangement of atoms within solid substances.