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Related Concept Videos

X-ray Crystallography02:18

X-ray Crystallography

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The size of the unit cell and the arrangement of atoms in a crystal may be determined from measurements of the diffraction of X-rays by the crystal, termed X-ray crystallography.
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...
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Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes02:58

Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes

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Crystal Field Theory
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
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Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes02:46

Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes

48.9K
Tetrahedral Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
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X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples01:10

X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples

4.9K
X-ray diffraction or XRD is an analytical tool that utilizes X-rays to study ordered structures such as crystalline organic and inorganic samples, polycrystalline materials, proteins, carbohydrates, and drugs.
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are  scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The  X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal...
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Structures of Solids02:22

Structures of Solids

19.3K
Solids in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite repeating pattern are known as crystalline solids. Metals and ionic compounds typically form ordered, crystalline solids. A crystalline solid has a precise melting temperature because each atom or molecule of the same type is held in place with the same forces or energy. Amorphous solids or non-crystalline solids (or, sometimes, glasses) which lack an ordered internal structure and are randomly arranged. Substances that...
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Atomic Structure01:17

Atomic Structure

105.5K
The Greek philosopher Democritus proposed that everything on Earth is made up of tiny particles called atomos, Greek for "indivisible," from which the modern term "atom" is derived. In the 19th century, John Dalton proposed the atomic theory that is still largely correct today. He put forth five postulates to explain how atoms made up the world around us. (1) All matter is composed of infinitely small particles or atoms. (2) All atoms of a given element are identical to one...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 21, 2026

On-Chip Crystallization and Large-Scale Serial Diffraction at Room Temperature
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On-Chip Crystallization and Large-Scale Serial Diffraction at Room Temperature

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'Seeing' Atoms: The Crystallographic Revolution.

Dieter Schwarzenbach1

  • 1Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne IPSB - Cristallographie Le Cubotron (BSP) CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland. dieter.schwarzenbach@epfl.ch.

Chimia
|October 7, 2017
PubMed
Summary

X-ray diffraction revolutionized science by enabling atomic-level visualization of crystal structures. This technique, pioneered in Switzerland, remains crucial for chemical analysis and scientific discovery.

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Mineralogy

Background:

  • Laue's 1912 X-ray diffraction experiment enabled atomic-level visualization of matter.
  • W. L. Bragg's 1913 crystal structure determinations (e.g., NaCl, diamond) marked a scientific revolution.
  • Diffraction methods became foundational for diverse scientific disciplines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To trace the historical development of small-molecule crystallography in Switzerland.
  • To highlight key pioneers and institutions in Swiss crystallography.
  • To underscore the enduring importance and increasing demand for diffraction techniques.

Main Methods:

  • Historical analysis of scientific literature and institutional development.

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Fully Autonomous Characterization and Data Collection from Crystals of Biological Macromolecules

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Last Updated: Feb 21, 2026

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  • Focus on powder diffraction (Debye-Scherrer) and geometrical crystallography (Niggli).
  • Examination of the application of X-ray crystallography in Swiss universities and service laboratories.

    • Main Results:

    • Early adoption and establishment of X-ray crystallography in Swiss universities by the 1970s.
    • Significant contributions from pioneers like Debye, Scherrer, and Niggli.
    • Crystallography evolved from academic research to essential service laboratories.

    Conclusions:

    • Diffraction methods are indispensable for chemical analysis and scientific problem-solving.
    • Ongoing advancements in radiation sources and detectors continue to drive innovation.
    • The demand for crystallographic analysis is increasing across all scientific fields.