X-ray diffraction is based on photons which are massless particles; neutron diffraction is based neutrons which possess mass and about 1000 heavier than electrons.

Erich H. Kisi has written:

'Applications of neutron powder diffraction' -- subject(s): Neutrons, Optical properties, Diffraction, Powders

1. Neutron is used in nuclear reactor

2. It also used for the determination of molecular structure by the diffraction which occurs when a substance is subected in neutron flux

Neutron is an elementary particle, with a mass of approx. 1 amu; neutron is neutral. Neutrons are components of the atomic nucleus; neutrons contain quarks and gluons.

Some applications:

- neutron radiography

- neutron diffraction

- neutrons are involved in many important nuclear reactions as reactants or products

- the nuclear fission is a problem of neutrons (nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons)

- neutron activation analysis

- neutron probes for water

- experiments in nuclear physics

V. L. Aksenov has written:

'Neutron scattering by ferroelectrics' -- subject(s): Diffraction, Ferroelectric crystals, Neutrons