The technique is typically carried out on a single crystal, but because not all substances easily form good quality crystals, powder X-ray diffraction (PXD) is sometimes used instead. Powder X-ray ...

Particle size analysis is crucial to quality control and product development in a number of key industries including aerosols, construction, food and beverage, paint and coatings, and pharmaceuticals.

In pharmaceuticals, PXRD is most commonly used to detect traces of polymers. Better detectors and optical technologies are being developed primarily to push the limits of detection (LOD) still lower.