- #1
fslab
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Hello,
This is a multi-part question that stems from understanding how X-ray diffraction occurs in crystals (eg. protein crystals).
1. Diffraction occurs when Bragg's Law is satisfied, but I'm sure the waves aren't actually being reflected. The x-ray's are scattering. What type of scattering is it? (I think it is Rutherford scattering or Rayleigh scattering)
2. When this scattering occurs, is the electron absorbing and re-emitting the x-ray? If so, is this the type of absorption that occurs as electrons shift energy shells, or is the absorption and re-emission a result of electrons moving in the electron cloud (eg. oscillating)?
3. I assume that the electrons are re-emitting x-rays and those x-rays that are in phase result in diffraction. Electrons can emit x-rays in all directions, why is it that diffraction is strongest in the direction of the x-ray source/ x-ray generator. That is, why is the strongest diffraction around the beam stop on the detector? Why don't you get low resolution, high intensity diffraction anywhere else (eg. 90 degrees to the x-ray source)?
This is a multi-part question that stems from understanding how X-ray diffraction occurs in crystals (eg. protein crystals).
1. Diffraction occurs when Bragg's Law is satisfied, but I'm sure the waves aren't actually being reflected. The x-ray's are scattering. What type of scattering is it? (I think it is Rutherford scattering or Rayleigh scattering)
2. When this scattering occurs, is the electron absorbing and re-emitting the x-ray? If so, is this the type of absorption that occurs as electrons shift energy shells, or is the absorption and re-emission a result of electrons moving in the electron cloud (eg. oscillating)?
3. I assume that the electrons are re-emitting x-rays and those x-rays that are in phase result in diffraction. Electrons can emit x-rays in all directions, why is it that diffraction is strongest in the direction of the x-ray source/ x-ray generator. That is, why is the strongest diffraction around the beam stop on the detector? Why don't you get low resolution, high intensity diffraction anywhere else (eg. 90 degrees to the x-ray source)?