The diffraction of X-rays by a crystalline solid helps us understand and map its 3-dimensional atomic and molecular structure. Knowing the structure of a material, we can better understand its properties, utilize its attributes, and engineer new materials with similar or better functionality.

The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) facility at BYU currently operates two XRD instruments. One instrument is optimized for analyzing polycrystalline samples (P-XRD), and the other is optimized for analyzing single crystal samples (SC-XRD). The XRD facility supports both research and teaching in the department and the university.