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X-ray diffraction X rays can be defined as "electromagnetic waves of short wavelength, capable of penetrating some thickness of matter." Approximately the same size as an atom, the wavelength of an X-ray is about 1 Å (10-10m). They occur in the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between gamma rays and ultra violet light and have proved very useful in determining crystal structures since their discovery on November 8th, 1895. German scientist Wilhelm Roentgen was conducting experiments in his laboratory on the effects of cathode rays. Specifically he was observing the effect of passing an electrical charge through gases at a low pressure. While doing so, Roentgen noticed something that earlier studies had not picked up. While passing current through the cathode ray, other rays were being given off that passed through all everyday matter such as wood, aluminium and paper. Roentgen further observed a surface he had coated with barium Platinocyanide...

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