X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) is an analytical technique used to identify chemical compounds and characterize atomic structures of materials by analyzing the diffraction patterns from x-rays directed at a sample.
- X-rays beams are directed at a crystalline material, causing the x-rays to diffract or deflect at various angles.
- The diffraction pattern produced is based on the atomic structure of the material allowing identification of chemical compounds.
- XRD can determine properties like unit cell dimensions, bond-lengths, orientations of molecules and more.
- Materials science and sectors like pharma, semiconductor, metals utilize XRD to characterize structure of materials at the molecular level.
- Does not destroy samples, allowing non-invasive quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Technique is based on the fact that X-ray wavelength is comparable to inter-atomic distance enabling structure characterization.
In summary, X-Ray Diffraction allows detailed analysis of chemical composition and atomic arrangements in materials by examining the resultant diffraction patterns from x-ray beams interacting with the atomic structures.
X-ray Diffraction instrumentation
Frost and Sullivan selected Bruker AXS for their 2004 Market Leadership Award in X-ray Diffraction instrumentation.
Analyst John Weber stated: "Bruker AXS is the recipient of our award for its exemplary leadership in the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) market. Bruker AXS is also a leading participant in several other analytical instrumentation markets, such as X-ray Fluorescence and X-ray Crystallography. Bruker AXS' products find global application in research and production facilities in many leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical and petrochemical, and semiconductor firms, along with universities. Key markets include advanced materials research, medicine discovery and development, elemental and process analysis, as well as structural proteomics."
Dr. Frank Burgaezy of Bruker AXS commented: "We are very pleased to receive this award, since it is an acknowledgement of our constant efforts to provide our customers with x-ray solutions for their analytical needs. Our unique D8 product platform, our technologies in X-ray sources, optics and detectors, our leading software packages and, most importantly, our highly skilled and motivated employees, are the backbone of our success. We consider this award as a recognition of our commitment to the future of x-ray analysis."
Bruker BioSciences is the parent company of Bruker AXS and Bruker Daltonics. Bruker AXS develops life science and advanced materials research tools based on X-ray technology. Bruker Daltonics provides innovative life science tools based on mass spectrometry.