XRD Theory

General Principles

X-ray diffraction technology is based on a phenomenon known as the Bragg relation that occurs in crystalline media when a particular set of conditions is met. A complete discussion of the Bragg Relation and the crystallography of quartz are beyond the scope of this manual but a brief synopsis should provide a sufficient background in the workings of X-ray diffraction systems. When a beam of monochromatic (one wavelength) X-ray is incident (falls upon) to the surface of a crystal, reflection occurs if and only if the Bragg relationship is satisfied.