Röntgendifraktion

Röntgendifraktion, often abbreviated as XRD, is a powerful analytical technique used to determine the crystal structure of a crystalline material. It works by directing a beam of X-rays onto a sample and observing how the X-rays are scattered or diffracted by the atoms within the crystal lattice. The angles at which the X-rays are diffracted are unique to the specific arrangement of atoms in the crystal.

When X-rays interact with a crystalline solid, they are diffracted in specific directions due to the regular, repeating arrangement of atoms. This phenomenon is governed by Bragg's Law, which relates the wavelength of the X-rays, the spacing between crystal planes, and the angle of diffraction. By measuring the diffraction pattern, which consists of a series of peaks at specific angles, scientists can deduce information about the material's crystal structure, including lattice parameters and the arrangement of atoms within the unit cell.

XRD is a non-destructive technique and can be applied to a wide range of solid materials, including powders, thin films, and single crystals. It is widely used in fields such as materials science, chemistry, geology, and pharmaceuticals for identifying unknown crystalline substances, determining the purity of a sample, quantifying the amounts of different crystalline phases present, and studying phase transitions. The interpretation of the diffraction pattern can be complex, often requiring specialized software for analysis.