X-ray diffraction analysis

X-ray diffraction analysis is a technique used to determine the internal structure of crystalline materials. When X-rays are directed at a crystal, they bounce off the atomic layers and create specific patterns known as diffraction patterns. By analyzing these patterns, scientists can identify the arrangement of atoms within the material, revealing details about its structure at the atomic level. This method is essential in fields like materials science, chemistry, and biology for understanding the composition and properties of substances, including complex molecules like proteins and minerals.