X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

X-rays are electromagnetic radiations in nature. Monochromatic X-rays pass through a crystalline sample. Crystal is an ordered array of atoms. The elastic Scattering phenomenon occurs when X-rays are scattered by the interaction of the crystal atom’s electrons. In different directions, these scatters produce spherical waves. In the majority of directions, these spherical waves map out each other through destructive interference. Constructive interference is produced when incident X-rays interact with the sample and these conditions satisfy Braggs law 2dsinθ = nλ Where d is the intervals between diffracting planes that cause diffraction peaks θ is the angle between the incident ray and scatter plane called as incident angle, λ specifies the wavelength of the incident X-Ray beam, and n is an integer referred to as an order of diffraction. In specific directions, spots appear on diffraction called Reflections. Electromagnetic waves exert influence on a regular array of scatters therefore they result in the X-Ray diffraction pattern. You can analyze the sample structure by collecting Diffracted X Rays showing that each mineral has a unique set of d-spacings. And Sample Structure is identified by comparing standard reference patterns of d-spacings. X-Ray tube generates X-Rays and all diffraction methods are based on it. Single Crystal and Powder diffraction varies in instrumentation.