Neutron diffraction methods for texture analysis are closely parallel to well-known
X-ray diffraction techniques. The chief advantage of neutron diffraction over X-ray
diffraction, however, arises from the fact that the interaction of neutrons with matter
is relatively weak, and consequently the penetration depth of neutrons is 102–103
times larger than that of X-rays. Hence neutron diffraction is an efficient tool for
measuring textures in multi-phase systems. Based on the high transmission of a
neutron beam the effect of anisotropic absorption in multi-phase materials can be
neglected in most cases. Moreover, the analysis of bulk textures becomes possible,
such that textures in a wide variety of multi-phase systems can be studied which are
of special interest in engineering and science (metals, alloys, composites, ceramics
and geological specimens).