Pharmaceutical Analysis

Chapter 6

X-ray Diffractometry

INTRODUCTION

Max von Laue discovered in 1912 that crystalline substances act as diffraction gratings for X-ray wavelengths. This method is mainly used for the determination of the crystal structure and atomic spacing. X-rays are electromagnetic waves with shorter wavelengths. They are generated when the beam of light composed of high-velocity electrons from a heated filament impinge on a small target in a sealed diffraction tube. X-rays were first discovered by Roentgen within a wavelength range of 10⁻⁷ to 10⁻¹⁵ meters.

 

 

X-ray waves production

PRINCIPLE

The main principle involved is the diffraction of X-ray ...