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Sewanee: The University of the South

X-ray Diffractometer Laboratory

Want to distinguish cement powder from explosives? Want to “see” the 3-D shape of a protein or polymer? Want to measure nano-scale holes in a molecular filter? How can you do this? The answer is X-ray diffraction


How does an X-ray diffractometer work?

  • It bombards samples with high intensity X-ray beams, which enter the material and “diffract” (reflect off planes of atoms).
  • The angle and intensity of the reflections are controlled by the size and 3-D arrangement of the atoms, so the diffractometer can “see” and fingerprint any substance’s unique nano-scale crystalline structure.


    • What substances can an X-ray diffractometer identify?

  • Explosives, Pharmaceuticals, Proteins, Ceramics, Superconductors, Polymers, Metals, Alloys, Pigments, Minerals, Catalysts, Corrosion residues, Cements, Clays, and many more...


    Our lab is equipped with a Siemens D5000 diffractometer.Students and faculty from Forestry and Geology, and also those from Chemistry and from Physics.


    Our diffractometer is used for teaching and research — in regular classroom teaching and also for student and faculty research. Students get hands-on experience with the diffractometer. Diffractometers are essential and standard equipment for forensic labs, ceramic companies, drug companies, petroleum companies, cement companies, chemical companies, and more.


  • View X-ray Photos
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    Sewanee: The University of the South | 735 University Ave Sewanee, TN 37383 | 931.598.1000
    X-ray Diffractometer X-ray Diffractometer X-ray Diffractometer X-ray Diffractometer