X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

X-Ray Diffraction (XRD analysis) is a powerful, non-destructive technique for investigating the crystallographic structure, composition, and physical properties of materials. At Lucideon, we use advanced powder XRD, grazing incidence XRD, micro XRD, and X-ray reflectivity techniques to provide our clients with detailed insights into material performance, failure modes, and product optimization.

What is XRD analysis?

XRD analysis works by irradiating a material with monochromatic X-rays across a controlled angle range. As the X-rays interact with atoms in the sample, they produce diffraction patterns that correspond to the atomic arrangement and crystalline phases present. By interpreting these patterns, XRD reveals the fundamental structural characteristics of a material, including:

• Phase identification e.g. quartz / cristobalite / tridymite for silica
• Phase quantification and % crystallinity
• Crystallite size and unit cell dimensions
• Defects, distortions, and solid solutions within crystal structures using Rietveld Structure Refinement

For thin films and layered materials, techniques such as Grazing Incidence XRD (GIXRD) allow compositional depth profiling, while X-ray Reflectivity (XRR) measures film thicknesses at the nanometre scale.

What XRD provides to customers

Our XRD analysis services help customers to:

• Identify and quantify crystalline phases e.g. quartz, cristobalite, and tridymite in silica
• Characterize coatings such as carbides, nitrides, and hydroxyapatite for medical implants
• Assess crystallinity and crystal quality in electro-ceramics and semiconductor materials
• Understand layered structures in silicon wafers, ITO-coated glass, and solar cells
• Optimize manufacturing processes by detecting defects or unwanted phases early in development

This makes XRD a vital tool for research, quality control, and failure analysis across a wide range of industries.

Typical applications of XRD analysis

• Phase composition determination
• Doped cell structure characterization in electro-ceramics
• Hard coating composition and structure for cutting tools
• Hydroxyapatite coatings in medical device materials
• In-depth analysis of semiconductor wafers and solar cells

Industries using XRD analysis

Our XRD services are used by organizations in:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Glass, ceramics and refractories
• Minerals and raw materials
• Healthcare and medical devices
• Semiconductors and electronics

Specialist XRD techniques available

• Rietveld Refinement - for defining bulk crystal structures, defects, and solid solutions
• Micro XRD (µXRD) - for small area analysis and phase mapping
• Grazing Incidence XRD (GIXRD) - for depth profiling thin films and layered materials
• X-Ray Reflectivity (XRR) - for nanometre-scale thickness measurements

XRD - at a glance

• Information gained: chemical composition, crystalline phase, physical properties
• Sample size: up to 150 mm diameter, 79 mm depth
• Detection limits: ~0.5 atomic %
• Analysis area: from 50 mm x 50 mm down to ~300 µm x 300 µm
• Depth resolution: <10 nm
• Data output: diffraction plots, phase tables, depth profiles

Associated standards and methods

• Respirable Crystalline Silica by XRD - MDHS 101:2005
• XRD Analysis of Hydroxyapatite for Medical Applications - ISO 13779-3 (2008)

Why choose Lucideon for XRD analysis?

Our expertise in advanced materials characterization means we do not just provide data - we interpret it in the context of your application, whether that is improving product performance, troubleshooting failures, or accelerating research and development. With state-of-the-art facilities and decades of experience, we are a trusted partner for XRD testing and consultancy across multiple industries.