Multiple-beam X-ray diffraction for physical determination of reflection phases and its applications

Theoretical and experimental advances in determination of three-phase invariants by multiple-beam X-ray diffraction are reviewed. The fundamental physics and mathematical analyses are explained. Plane-wave dynamical theory for the interpretation of multiple-beam interference is summarized. New results of its applications to the solution of the enantiomorphism problem of light-atom structures and to the solution of the structure of macromolecules by means of measured phases in conjunction with statistical methods are reported. Practical aspects of applying the three-beam diffraction technique to proteins are emphasized.