X-ray crystallography

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X-ray crystallography,




X-ray crystallography

The study of crystal structure by x-ray diffraction techniques. For the experimental aspects of x-ray diffraction See X-ray diffraction

Structurally, a crystal is a three-dimensional periodic arrangement in space of atoms, groups of atoms, or molecules. If the periodicity of this pattern extends throughout a given piece of material, one speaks of a single crystal. The exact structure of any given crystal is determined if the locations of all atoms making up the three-dimensional periodic pattern called the unit cell are known. The very close and periodic arrangement of the atoms in a crystal permits it to act as a diffraction grating for x-rays. See Crystallography

x-ray crystallography

[′eks ‚rā ‚krist·əl′äg·rə·fē]
The study of crystal structure by x-ray diffraction techniques. Also known as roentgen diffractometry.