Electron diffraction from crystals

In summary, in electron diffraction from crystals, the angles of incidence (θi) and reflection (θr) do not necessarily have to be equal. This is because the angle of diffraction is determined by the Bragg condition, which states that the difference in path length from one atom to the next must be an integral number of wavelengths. While most references use the angle that the electron's path makes with the normal, the writeup in question assumes that θi = θr, but this is only a special case.
  • #1
blueyellow
why is it that in electron diffraction from cystals, theta i and theta r are not necessarily equal?
 
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  • #2
What are theta i and theta r? Define carefully.
 
  • #4
blueyellow,

The angle of diffraction is determined by the Bragg condition, namely that the difference in path length from one atom to the next is an integral number of wavelengths. The writeup you refer to does assume that θi = θr, but this is only a special case. If you draw the same diagram and let θi and θr be different, you'll see that the Bragg condition becomes

d(sin θi + sin θr) = nλ

(Most references use instead the angle that the electron's path makes with the normal, in which case replace sin by cos.)
 

Related to Electron diffraction from crystals

1. What is electron diffraction from crystals?

Electron diffraction from crystals is a technique used to study the atomic structure of crystals. It involves directing a beam of electrons at a crystal and analyzing the resulting diffraction pattern, which provides information about the arrangement of atoms within the crystal.

2. How is electron diffraction different from X-ray diffraction?

Electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction are similar techniques used to study crystal structures. However, electron diffraction uses a beam of electrons instead of X-rays, which allows for higher resolution and the ability to study smaller crystals. Additionally, electron diffraction is better suited for studying the structure of non-crystalline materials.

3. What types of crystals can be studied using electron diffraction?

Electron diffraction can be used to study a wide range of crystals, including metals, ceramics, minerals, and organic compounds. The size and quality of the crystal will determine the quality of the diffraction pattern and the level of detail that can be observed.

4. What information can be obtained from an electron diffraction pattern?

The diffraction pattern produced by electron diffraction contains information about the crystal's unit cell dimensions, symmetry, and atomic arrangement. By analyzing the diffraction pattern, scientists can determine the crystal's lattice structure, the positions of atoms within the unit cell, and the orientation of the crystal.

5. What are some applications of electron diffraction from crystals?

Electron diffraction is used in various fields, including materials science, chemistry, and geology. It is commonly used to identify unknown crystalline materials, study the effects of temperature and pressure on crystal structures, and aid in the development of new materials with specific properties. It is also used in the analysis of archaeological artifacts and forensic evidence.

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