The use of X-ray diffraction to determine the structure of crystals or molecules, such as nucleic acids. The technique involves directing a beam of X-rays at a crystalline sample and recording the diffracted X-rays on a photographic plate or other detector, such as a transducer that can create a digital image. The diffraction pattern consists of a pattern of spots on the image, and the crystal structure can be worked out from the positions and intensities of the diffraction spots. X-rays are diffracted by the electrons in the molecules and if molecular crystals of a compound are used, the electron density distribution in the molecule can be determined.
http://www-structmed.cimr.cam.ac.uk/Course/Overview/Overview.html Illustrated introduction to the principles of X-ray crystallography, compiled by Randy Read, University of Cambridge