röntgendifraktsioon

Röntgendifraktsioon, 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 at a sample and measuring the angles and intensities of the diffracted X-rays. Crystalline materials have an ordered arrangement of atoms, forming a lattice structure. When X-rays interact with this lattice, they are diffracted in specific directions according to Bragg's Law. This diffraction pattern is unique to each crystalline substance, acting like a fingerprint. By analyzing the positions and intensities of the diffraction peaks, scientists can identify the constituent phases, determine lattice parameters, and gain insights into the material's atomic arrangement, orientation, and even strain. XRD is a non-destructive method, meaning the sample is typically unaltered by the process. It finds widespread applications in fields such as materials science, mineralogy, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals for quality control, research, and material characterization.