This issue of Powder Diffraction features three outstanding Proceeding Papers from the annual Advances in X-ray Analysis (AXA) papers based on keynote lectures at the 2021 Denver X-ray Conference. These three were submitted for inclusion are “Texture and Strain Analysis of Tungsten Films via Tilt-A-Whirl Methodology” by Mark Rodriguez et al., “Inverse Pole Figure of CVD Coatings of Metal Cutting Tools Using an XRD Bragg Brentano Geometry” by Tomohiro Shibata, and “Best References for the QPA of Portland Cement” by Timothy Fawcett et al. The first two of these papers describe rather new ways to obtain valuable materials data using powder diffraction. The third on quantitative phase analysis of Portland Cements shows powder diffraction methods can be exceptionally successful provided great care is taken in establishing the appropriate reference materials. Also in this issue of Powder Diffraction, under the Instrumentation, Analysis and Laboratory Development category, is “Crystallite Size Distribution by Two-Dimensional XRD” by Bob He. Although 2D detectors have been used in powder diffraction for over a decade, this paper presents a rather new, fast and powerful method of using the data collected with the 2D detector to determine crystallite size distribution.

It is our great pleasure to present these four particularly unique and valuable papers outlining advanced powder diffraction methods in this one issue. I believe you will find these papers exceptional. Perhaps they will open new characterization opportunities for your laboratory. Enjoy reading these insightful articles.