Diffractometers
You are more likely to use a diffractometer than a camera to obtain an x-ray diffraction pattern. Use of diffractometers avoids many of the problems associated with cameras. Another big advantage is that the data can be stored on floppy disks and easily retrieved. It is also possible to produce high-quality versions (suitable for publication purposes!) of the diffraction patterns using, for example, laser printers. (All the x-ray diffraction patterns in this book have been produced in this way.) In addition, the data can also be directly processed by using computer software to obtain information about the structure, lattice parameters, lattice strain, crystallite size, etc., of the specimen.