  ICDD Rietveld Refinement & Indexing Course
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Rietveld Refinement & Indexing Course
22 – 26 September 2025
Powder pattern Indexing and Rietveld structural refinement techniques are complementary and are often combined to determine the structure of a material. Successful indexing of a powder pattern is considered strong evidence for phase purity.
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Indexing (with derived space group and lattice symmetry determinations) is considered a prelude to determining the crystal structure, and permits phase identification by lattice matching techniques. The Rietveld method is used to refine crystal structures and is perhaps best considered whole- pattern-fitting structure refinement, i.e., we must account not only for the crystal structure but also the instrumental resolution and diffraction physics effects (e.g., crystallite size and strain). The aim is to perform quantitative phase analysis and identification.
This course introduces the theory and formalisms of various indexing methods and structural refinement techniques. One unique aspect of this class is the extensive use of computer laboratory problem solving and exercises that teach method development in a hands-on environment. We will use GSAS-II for the Rietveld laboratory work; Dicvol, Treor and FULLPROF Suite and JADE interfaces will be used for indexing exercises.
The format of the course is a combination of morning lectures and afternoon computer lab exercises. Ample opportunity for individual student-faculty interaction exists throughout the week.Â
Lecture Components
Basic Crystallography
- Emphasis on space groups, conventions, and more.
Powder Pattern Indexing
- Data reduction methods for peak finding
- We will use Dicvol 04, Treor and Ito indexing examples
- Crysfire will also be discussed
Rietveld Structural Refinement
- History and motivation for development of this technique
- Qualitative description of various sample and instrument-related functions for profile shape, background, and more.
- The use of least-squares constraints will be explored
LeBail and Pawley Fitting Procedures
- What to do when atomic coordinates are not available
- Discussion on use of these tools for structure determination
- Use in powder pattern indexing
Computer Lab Components
Exercise problems will include:
- Single phase indexing
- Single phase refinement (all crystalline materials)
- Multiphase refinement (all crystalline materials)
- Nanophase, and small crystallite size content
- Amorphous phase + crystalline phase(s)
When & Where
22 – 26 September 2025
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ICDD Headquarters
12 Campus Boulevard
Newtown Square, PA 19073-3273 USA
Phone: (610) 325-9814
If you have any questions, please contact education@icdd.com
What's Included
The registration fee for these courses includes:
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- Lecture, workshop, and lab materials
- Catered lunch Monday through Thursday
- Coffee and snack breaks
Schedule
Classes are held:
- Monday: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Faculty
The course faculty is selected from academic, industrial, and government institutions under the direction of ICDD.
- Dr. Thomas Blanton
- Anja Vieira Dosen
- Dr. Soorya N. Kabekkodu
- Dr. James Kaduk
- Dr. Joel Reid
Rietveld Refinement & Indexing Course
22 - 26 September 2025
- By 11 August 2025: $1,700 USD
- After 11 August 2025: $1,950 USD
Registration deadline: 13 September 2025. A minimum of 10 registrants is required, or we must cancel.
Secure your spot today!
If you cannot register online, please complete the Rietveld Registration Form here.
Have a group of 3 or more attendees? Contact education@icdd.com for pricing. To obtain the group discount, all registrations must be submitted simultaneously. Registrations made before or after are not eligible for the discount.
Payment must be received before the start of the course to attend. Online registrations will be accepted up until two weeks before the start of the course; after that time, please call for availability.
ICDD reserves the right to use all photographs taken throughout the class to promote the course without additional approval from you, the participant.
Tuition Waiver
ICDD offers a limited number of tuition waivers for the Rietveld Refinement & Indexing Course. Faculty members and graduate students are encouraged to apply. If you are currently developing a program in Rietveld Analysis, and are interested in incorporating these topics into an established course, a tuition waiver can provide you with the opportunity to learn the principles and practices from some of the experts in the field.
Get more information and apply here.
Host Hotel
The Hilton Garden Inn Newtown Square is the host hotel for the ICDD courses. Accommodations booked within our room block will include daily breakfast and round trip transportation to ICDD. Please be sure to use the reservation link for your particular course. Visit our Host Hotel webpage for more information.
Transfer, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
ICDD must guarantee payment for meals and materials in advance. You will receive a 50% refund of the paid registration fee if your written cancellation is received at ICDD 20 business days prior to the start of the class. With less notice, a colleague may take your place, or the course materials will be mailed to you, but no refund will be given.
Please note:Â A minimum of 10 registrants per course is required, otherwise the course will be cancelled and your registration fee will be refunded. You will be notified of a course cancellation no later than two weeks prior to the start of the course.
If you have any questions, please contact education@icdd.com
