Diffraction: Principles and application

We introduce here diffraction in general, as well as neutron and powder diffraction in particular as a tool to study the structure of condensed matter, crystalline solids in particular. Diffraction is a crucial experimental technique of extraordinary potential to elucidate the structure and its evolution of materials important for all domains in the production, conversion, storage and transport of energy. It allows therefore establishing structure-property relationships, which need to be understood in order to develop new and better performing materials.