A "diffraction pattern" refers to the pattern of light or other waves that form when they pass through a small opening or around an object. This pattern is created due to the bending or spreading out of the waves. Full definition
X-ray diffraction patterns of a given material can reveal the local arrangement of molecular and atomic structure. (sciencedaily.com)
The X-rays produce characteristic diffraction patterns from which the structure of the sample can be calculated. (sciencedaily.com)
Thanks to the incredibly short and intense X-ray flashes of the LCLS, the researchers could observe different steps in the PYP photocycle with a resolution of 0.16 nanometers, by taking snapshots of X-ray diffraction patterns. (sciencedaily.com)