Why do we analyze materials using X-ray diffraction?

In this short video we explain how you can use X-ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray diffraction is the only laboratory technique that reveals structural information, such as chemical composition, crystal structure, crystallite size, strain, preferred orientation and layer thickness. Materials researchers therefore use X-ray diffraction to analyze a wide range of materials, from powders and thin films to nanomaterials and solid objects.