Diffractometer
Diffractometer - Related Videos
11:27
Studying Soft-matter and Biological Systems over a Wide Length-scale from Nanometer and Micrometer Sizes at the Small-angle Neutron Diffractometer KWS-2
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Cited by 33 •
2016
Here, we present a protocol to investigate soft matter and biophysical systems over a wide mesoscopic length scale, from nm to µm that involves the use of the KWS-2 SANS diffractometer at high intensities and an adjustable resolution.
08:14
Single Crystal and Powder X-ray Diffraction
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2023
Source: Tamara M. Powers, Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University X-ray crystallography is a technique that uses X-rays to study the structure of molecules. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments are routinely carried out with either single-crystal or powdered samples. Single-crystal XRD: Single-crystal XRD allows for absolute structure determination. With single-crystal XRD data, the exact atomic positions can be observed, and thus bond lengths and angles can be determined. This...
09:16
X-ray Powder Diffraction in Conservation Science: Towards Routine Crystal Structure Determination of Corrosion Products on Heritage Art Objects
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Cited by 9 •
2016
Modern high resolution X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) in the laboratory is used as an efficient tool to determine crystal structures of long-known corrosion products on historic objects.
08:00
Growing Crystals for X-ray Diffraction Analysis
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2023
Source: Laboratory of Dr. Jimmy Franco - Merrimack College X-ray crystallography is a method commonly used to determine the spatial arrangement of atoms in a crystalline solid, which allows for the determination of the three-dimensional shape of a molecule or complex. Determining the three-dimensional structure of a compound is of particular importance, since a compound's structure and function are intimately related. Information about a compound's structure is often used to explain its...
09:30
Electrospinning of Photocatalytic Electrodes for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
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Cited by 3 •
2017
The overall goal of this project was to use electrospinning to fabricate a photoanode with improved performance for dye-sensitized solar cells.
FAQs
In a diffraction measurement, the changing angle provides the positional dimension, while recorded intensity indicates how strongly the material scatters at each position. The resulting pattern can be related to interplanar spacing, meaning distances between regularly arranged crystal planes. Crystal symmetry also shapes the pattern, helping connect observations with atomic arrangement.
Powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction answer related but different characterization needs. Powder measurements examine a crystalline material as an aggregate, whereas single-crystal measurements target an individual crystal. The choice affects the structural information obtained and the type of sample characterization possible, from phase-oriented materials analysis to molecular and solid-state structure determination.
Crystal symmetry matters because it is reflected in the diffraction pattern rather than being an invisible abstract property. Interpreting that symmetry alongside measured angles and intensities helps scientists assess how atoms are arranged and determine structural features of a crystalline substance. This makes the measurement useful for distinguishing structural possibilities during chemical characterization.
Diffraction data can support crystallinity assessment by showing whether the measured response corresponds to an ordered crystalline material. The same dataset may also help identify crystalline phases, so crystallinity is considered alongside phase identity rather than treated as an isolated observation. This is valuable when characterizing solid chemical substances and materials.
A basic workflow begins by placing the sample in the instrument and directing radiation onto it. The measurement then records diffracted-beam intensity while the relevant angles change. Scientists interpret the completed diffraction pattern in relation to interplanar spacing, crystal symmetry, atomic arrangement, and phase identity to characterize the material.
Chemists apply diffractometer measurements to identify crystalline phases and determine molecular or solid-state structures. The approach supports compound characterization and materials analysis, with relevant examples including catalysts, minerals, pharmaceuticals, and other crystalline substances. These applications make diffraction useful both for investigating chemical structures and for examining the composition of solid materials.
Quality control can use diffraction results to examine whether a material contains the expected crystalline phases and structural characteristics. Because the measurement provides a pattern linked to atomic arrangement and interplanar spacing, it supports consistent characterization of crystalline compounds and materials. This is particularly relevant when laboratories need to compare samples during routine materials or compound analysis.