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X-ray Diffraction

What Are X-rays?

X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves with a length comparable to the distances between atoms in solids, ~1 angstrom (1x10-10 meters). They are produced by the collision of fast-moving electrons with a target material. Unlike visible light, x-rays are invisible to the human eye.

The electromagnetic spectrum. In this equation, E (energy) is measured in keV and wavelength (λ) is measured in angstroms.