X-Ray Diffraction by Polycrystalline MaterialsThis book presents a physical approach to the diffraction phenomenon and its applications in materials science. An historical background to the discovery of X ray diffraction is first outlined. Next, Part 1 gives a description of the physical phenomenon of X ray diffraction on perfect and imperfect crystals. Part 2 then provides a detailed analysis of the instruments used for the characterization of powdered materials or thin films. The description of