X-rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation produced by decelerating electrons or electronic transitions in atoms. X-ray spectrometry uses components like x-ray sources, filters, monochromators, sample holders, and detectors to analyze materials. Monochromators restrict the wavelength range of incident radiation by absorbing certain wavelengths. Diffraction of x-rays from crystalline materials enables high specificity analysis using Bragg's law. Common detectors like gas detectors, scintillators, and semiconductors convert x-ray photons into electrical signals for analysis.