X-rays are electromagnetic radiation produced by bombarding high energy electrons on heavy metal. According to Mosley’s law, every component XRD analysis has its unique signature and emits radiation. People use X-rays because it possesses wavelengths comparable to the dimensions of inter atomic distances.

Visible light has a longer wavelength and cannot penetrate a crystal. X-rays go inside and derive useful information regarding a specimen. X-ray diffraction is a scientific technique where a collective beam of X-rays is pointed at a sample.

By precise command of the angle between the X-ray beam and the model and the detector, one can discern the material structure. The XRD analysis is an extension of this process. The process begins by placing a sample into the instrument’s center illuminated with X-ray lights.

The X-ray tube and the detector move in a synchronized manner. The signals received from the sample are graphed and recorded. Subsequently, peaks are observed to discern the atomic structure of the sample. Most samples are made of small crystals like sand.

These individual crystals comprise a regular arrangement of atoms, and every atom consists of a nucleus that is surrounded by a cloud of electrons. At this point, the XRD analysis begins.

WORKING

X-rays are high-energy lights comprising a repeating period known as wavelength. Considering that an X-ray wavelength is similar to the distance between atoms in a crystal, a unique interference effect is known as diffraction is used to measure the atoms’ distance.

The interference transpires when X-rays communicate with one another. If the wavelengths are aligned, the signal is augmented. This is known as constructive interference. If the ways are not aligned, the signals are obliterated.

APPLICATIONS OF XRD

X-ray diffraction has manifested significant potential in many industries, especially the pharmaceutical industry. It is exceedingly renowned for its non-threatening nature. Its several uses are mentioned below:

1) Pharmaceutical industry: XRD is employed to get a more precise idea of pharmaceuticals’ composition. The XRD-pattern is an immediate consequence of the crystal structures that are present in the pharmaceutical study.

Drugs are replete with numerous ingredients such as fillers, binders, lubricants, colorants, sweeteners, disintegrators, etc to achieve a dosage form’s coveted characteristics. Being accompanied by so many materials makes the final product complex.

Scientists may have to revisit its composition with different permutations and combinations before commercializing the final product. There are specific guidelines that a chemist must consider before sanctioning the manufacturing of a product:

1. A) Crystal structure: To determine the crystalline content, the framework and dimensions of a unit cell must be explicitly mentioned.
2. B) Polymorphism: The polymorphic content can impact solubility and dissolution rate, bioavailability (the rate and extent of absorption of the unchanged drug from its dosage form), and stability( maintenance of the potency of the drug from its manufacturing date to its expiry). Hence, gathering polymorphic information is essential.
3. C) Percentage of crystallinity: The amount of crystallinity significantly impacts the final drug dosage. Hence it is essential to consider it as a parameter.
4. D) Harmony with excipients: XRD is a preferred choice to discern the harmony between drug excipients. An in-depth study of the preferred excipients with effective pharmaceutical ingredients is imperative for the consistency of drug properties.

2) Forensic science: In this context, XRD can be used to contact trace analysis. Example: Paint flakes, hair, glass fragments, stains of any description, and loose powdered materials. By identifying and comparing trace quantities of materials, one can be pardoned or convicted for involvement in a crime.

3) Geological applications: The role of XRD in the mineral exploration tool is remarkable. Mineralogists are some of the earliest folks to pioneer and promote crystallography- a new field of X-ray. The invention of XRD has transformed the geological sciences to a great extent.

The domain cannot imagine functioning without it now. Geologists characterize crystal structures with the help of XRD. It is very precise and unambiguous. Individual crystals are marked by the crystal structure that gives them a unique e-ray diffraction.

4) Microelectronics industry: The microelectronics industry employs silicon and gallium arsenide crystal substrates in an integrated circuit production. There is a need to characterize these materials with the aid of XRD fully. It can easily detect the presence of defects and is a non-destructive tool for evaluation.

CONCLUSION

The use of XRD has become more relevant, owing to its precision. This method is non-destructive and allows different domains to scrutinize the precise contents of a specimen. It is a straightforward method that has gained significant traction. The popularity scales for XRD stretch between multiple areas and continues to prove their efficacy.