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X-ray diffraction is a generic term for phenomena associated with changes in the direction of X-ray beams due to interactions with the electrons around atoms. It occurs due to elastic scattering, when there is no change in the energy of the waves. The resulting map of the directions of the X-rays far from the sample is called a diffraction pattern.
An X-ray diffraction pattern of a crystallized enzyme. The pattern of spots (reflections) and the relative strength of each spot (intensities) can be used to determine the structure of the enzyme. The relative intensities of the reflections provides information to determine the arrangement of molecules within the crystal in atomic detail.
Two-dimensional powder diffraction setup for high-energy X-rays. HEX-rays entering from the left are diffracted in forward direction at the sample and registered by a 2D detector such as an image plate. [2] With these advantages, HEX-rays can be applied for a wide range of investigations. An overview, which is far from complete:
The measurement of the angles can be used to determine crystal structure, see x-ray crystallography for more details. [5] [13] As a simple example, Bragg's law, as stated above, can be used to obtain the lattice spacing of a particular cubic system through the following relation:
The number and energy of the X-rays emitted from a specimen can be measured by an energy-dispersive spectrometer. As the energies of the X-rays are characteristic of the difference in energy between the two shells and of the atomic structure of the emitting element, EDS allows the elemental composition of the specimen to be measured. [2]
Rietveld refinement is a technique described by Hugo Rietveld for use in the characterisation of crystalline materials. The neutron and X-ray diffraction of powder samples results in a pattern characterised by reflections (peaks in intensity) at certain positions. The height, width and position of these reflections can be used to determine many ...
Dr. Miller had done research on X-ray instrumentation at Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Duffendack also hired Dr. Bill Parish, a well known researcher in X-ray diffraction, to head up the section of the lab on X-ray instrumental development. X-ray diffraction units were widely used in academic research departments to do crystal analysis.
Gratings diffract each energy or wavelength present in the incoming radiation in a different direction. Grating monochromators allow the user to select the specific photon energy they wish to use to excite the sample. Diffraction gratings are also used in the spectrometer to analyze the photon energy of the radiation emitted by the sample.