The discovery of X-ray diffraction by crystals and its great impact on science

In April 1912, Friedrich, Knipping and Laue discovered X-ray diffraction in a CuSO4 crystal. Later, Laue derived the famous Laue equations which explain the diffraction phenomenon. For this, Laue was awarded a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1914. In 1912 W.H.Bragg and W.L.Bragg received news of Laue's discovery, and from X-ray diffraction experiments in a ZnS crystal they derived the famous Bragg equation. For this work, father and son were together awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1915. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of X-ray diffraction, this article reviews the important contributions of the early pioneers and their historic impact on science and technology worldwide.