Diffraction spikes are caused by interference due to the wave nature of light. The patterns produced depend on the shape of the telescope’s mirror and the number of spider struts.

Electron Diffraction. Description: Electron diffraction patterns for single crystal and polycrystalline materials are displayed on a CRT screen. A Welch model 2639 'Electron Diffraction tube' is used ...

The diffraction pattern is selected from the vicinity of the (111) Bragg peak. The probe used for diffraction is about 40 nm in diameter and the nanocrystal is visible in the probe image (inset).