X-ray Diffraction: Theory & Applications

Name: X-ray Diffraction: Theory & Applications
Rating: 4.5 (7 reviews)

A Comprehensive Guide to Crystallographic Analysis

Created byAtasi Ghosh

Last updated 8/2025

English

What you'll learn

Understand the principles of XRD including crystallography, diffraction theory
Operating principles of XRD and EBSD for texture analysis
Interpretation of diffraction patterns and maps for phase identification, grain orientation etc
Apply techniques to real-world materials problems, such as identifying phases in alloys, analyzing deformation microstructures

Course content

1 section • 18 lectures • 1h 59m total length

Importance of X-rays4:45
X-ray generation6:54
Explain how x-rays form from rapid electron deceleration. Describe continuous spectrum and characteristic x-rays, including k alpha and k beta lines, Moseley’s law, and filters.
Absorption edge6:01
Understand absorption edge as a jump in mass absorption coefficient guiding filters and monochromators in x-ray diffraction, with beam geometry and detectors enabling powder and texture analyses.
Bragg's law of diffraction8:45
Reciprocal lattice6:33
Stereographic projection8:56
Wulff Net8:23
Diffraction methods6:55
Factor affecting peak intensity9:47
Explore how peak intensity in x-ray diffraction depends on polarization, atomic scattering and structure factors, multiplicity, Lorentz polarization factors, absorption, and temperature factors, tied to lattice spacing and atom positions.
Particle size determination5:59
Precise lattice parameter6:34
Error in lattice parameter6:16
Solvus curve determination6:11
Determine phase boundaries in x-ray diffraction by constructing tie lines and applying disappearing phase and parametric methods to map the solvus line.
Chemical analysis6:29
Explore how x-ray diffraction reveals stress and enables chemical analysis in metals, distinguishing uniform macro strain that shifts diffraction peaks from non-uniform microstrain that broadens them, and identifying residual stress.
Texture analysis6:37
Analyze texture with x-ray diffraction to reveal macro texture, fiber components, and orientation distributions, differentiating random from textured materials and linking deformation and recrystallization textures to anisotropic properties and applications.
Description of Orientation7:10
Euler angle and Euler Space4:21
Explore how Euler angles describe orientation through rotation sets, build orientation matrices, and model texture via orientation distribution functions in Euler space.
Pole Figure Measurement3:13

Requirements

No prerequisites

Description

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to X-ray Diffraction (XRD), a cornerstone technique in materials science, physics, chemistry, geology, and engineering. Students will explore the theoretical foundations of XRD, beginning with the principles of X-ray generation, interaction with matter, and Bragg’s Law. The course delves into crystal structures, lattice parameters, and the mathematics of diffraction patterns, offering a clear understanding of how atomic arrangements influence observed data.

Participants will learn how to operate XRD instruments, prepare samples, and interpret diffraction patterns. The course covers both single-crystal and powder diffraction methods, with a strong focus on real-world applications including phase identification, crystallite size estimation, strain analysis, and qualitative/quantitative phase analysis and texture analysis.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the theoretical knowledge and technical skills necessary to independently design and execute XRD experiments, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions.

This course is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and industry professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of crystallographic techniques and materials characterization using XRD and texture analysis. This course equips researchers with advanced skills in XRD data analysis, phase identification, and crystal structure refinement. It enhances experimental design proficiency, introduces modern software tools, and supports interpretation of complex diffraction patterns—enabling high-precision materials characterization essential for cutting-edge research in materials science, chemistry, physics, and nanotechnology.

Who this course is for:

Undergraduate and graduate students in materials science, metallurgy, geology, physics, or related engineering fields seeking practical and theoretical knowledge in crystallographic characterization