This volume collects the proceedings of the 23rd International Course of Crystallography, entitled "X-ray and Neutron Dynamical Diffraction, Theory and Applications," which took place in the fascinating setting of Erice in Sicily, Italy. It was run as a NATO Advanced Studies Institute with A. Authier (France) and S. Lagomarsino (Italy) as codirectors, and L. Riva di Sanseverino and P. Spadon (Italy) as local organizers, R. Colella (USA) and B. K. Tanner (UK) being the two other members of the organizing committee. It was attended by about one hundred participants from twenty four different countries. Two basic theories may be used to describe the diffraction of radiation by crystalline matter. The first one, the so-called geometrical, or kinematical theory, is approximate and is applicable to small, highly imperfect crystals. It is used for the determination of crystal structures and describes the diffraction of powders and polycrystalline materials. The other one, the so-called dynamical theory, is applicable to perfect or nearly perfect crystals. For that reason, dynamical diffraction of X-rays and neutrons constitutes the theoretical basis of a great variety of applications such as: * the techniques used for the characterization of nearly perfect high technology materials, semiconductors, piezoelectric, electrooptic, ferroelectric, magnetic crystals, * the X-ray optical devices used in all modem applications of Synchrotron Radiation (EXAFS, High Resolution X-ray Diffractometry, magnetic and nuclear resonant scattering, topography, etc. ), and * X-ray and neutron interferometry.

This is the first comprehensive book on the dynamical diffraction of X-rays since the development of synchrotron radiation. Up-to-date, with extensive references, it is required knowledge for x-ray optics and x-ray characterization of materials. An excellent reference book for graduate students and researchers.

Dynamical Theory of X-ray Diffraction is the first comprehensive book on the dynamical diffraction of X-rays since the development of synchrotron radiation. The first part provides an introduction to the subject, followed by a detailed treatment of perfect and slightly and highly deformed crystals. The last part gives three applications of the theory: X-ray optics, locations of atoms at surfaces, and X-ray diffraction topography. The book is abundantly illustrated. It will be a useful reference work for graduate students, lecturers, and researchers.