x-ray diffraction

American  

noun

Physics.

1. diffraction of x-rays by the regularly spaced atoms of a crystal, useful for determining the arrangement of the atoms.

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X-ray diffraction British  

noun

1. the scattering of X-rays on contact with matter, resulting in changes in radiation intensity, which is used for studying atomic structure

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x-ray diffraction Scientific  

1. The scattering of x-rays by crystal atoms, producing a diffraction pattern that yields information about the structure of the crystal. X-ray diffraction is used in x-ray crystallography.

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Etymology

Origin of x-ray diffraction

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

To perform the study, the team used x-ray diffraction to characterize the arrangement of atoms in the nanomaterial.

From Science Daily • Oct. 10, 2023

In their new study, published last month in Science, they analyzed MOF-303 using precise x-ray diffraction measurements that determine a molecule’s structure by measuring the way reflected x-rays interfere with one another.

From Scientific American • Nov. 17, 2021

Using x-ray diffraction data produced by Rosalind Franklin, they were the first to discern the structure of DNA that is so crucial to life.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Unfortunately, they did not cite any published x-ray diffraction analyses, clay-mineral crystallinity indices, or more extensive documentation to support their claims.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 21, 2013

In this way, they can look at the molecular properties and x-ray diffraction patterns of the silk as it is produced.

From The Guardian • Jan. 12, 2013