X-ray powder diffraction

X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) is a technique used to identify and analyze the structure of crystalline materials. When a sample of powdered material is exposed to X-rays, the rays are scattered by the atoms in the crystal lattice. These scattered rays interfere with each other and produce a pattern of bright and dark spots, called a diffraction pattern. By analyzing this pattern, scientists can determine the material's atomic arrangement, identify its mineral or compound type, and understand its structural properties. XRD is essential in fields like geology, chemistry, and materials science for characterizing crystalline substances.