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x-ray
A penetrating electromagnetic radiation, usually generated by accelerating electrons to high velocity and suddenly stopping them by collision with a solid body. Wavelengths of x-rays range from about 10-1 to 10-2 , the average wavelength used in research being about 1. Also known as roentgen ray or x-radiation. See also electromagnetic radiation.

x-ray diffraction (XRD)
An analytical technique in which measurements are made of the angles at which x-rays are preferentially scattered from a sample (as well as of the intensities scattered at various angles) in order to deduce information on the crystalline nature of the sample--its crystal structure, orientations, and so on.

x-ray fluorescence
Emission by a substance of its characteristic x-ray line spectrum on exposure to x-rays.

x-ray map
An intensity map (usually corresponding to an image) in which the intensity in any area is proportional to the concentration of a specific element in that area.

x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
An analytical technique that measures the energy spectra of electrons emitted from the surface of a material when exposed to monochromatic x-rays.

x-ray spectrometry
Measurement of wavelengths of x-rays by observing their diffraction by crystals of known lattice spacing.

x-ray spectrum
The plot of the intensity or number of x-ray photons versus energy (or wavelength).

x-ray topography
A technique that comprises topography and x-ray diffraction. The term topography refers to a detailed description and mapping of physical (surface) features in a region. In the context of the x-ray diffraction, topographic methods are used to survey the lattice structure and imperfections in crystalline materials.