What is the Wigner–Seitz cell of diamond?

In summary, the conversation discusses the struggle with visualizing the Wigner-Seitz cell of the Carbon diamond crystal structure, which is made of 2 FCC compenetrated. The individual is looking for help in understanding the conventional cell and the number of atoms per lattice point in the diamond structure. They also mention that the unit cell of diamond is not completely accurate as it is usually referred to as the 2 FCC compenetrated structure.
  • #1
Urza_tron
3
0
Hi everybody,
I'm struggling with some solid state physics topics. I am dealing with the Carbon diamond crystal structure, which is basically made of 2 FCC compenetrated. I really cannot visualize the WignerSeitz cell of this structure, is it possible to do it? I was thinking about visualizing the diamond conventional cell as an FCC where each basis is made of two C atoms, but I don't know if it's correct.
Is there someone who could help me to visualize it?
 
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  • #4
TeethWhitener said:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triakis_truncated_tetrahedral_honeycomb
The Wigner Seitz cell for diamond isn’t trivial.
This is the geometry of the weigner seitz cell for crystal, but how can I visualize it inside of the conventional diamond cell? I can't see how is it shaped inside the conventional cell in order to obtain a cell that contain only one lattice point. And further more, when we consider the lattice point of a diamond like cell, are we considering a lattice point made of 1 or 2 atoms?
 
  • #5
Baluncore said:
Okay but Wikipedia says that the tetrahedral cell is the unit cell of diamond, but it's not completely accurate. The unit cell one usually refers to is the 2 FCC compenetrated structure. What I'm trying to understand is the drawing of the primitive cell inside of a diamond crystal, how many atoms are we considering per lattice point and how can it contain only one lattice point in a so complex structure.
 

1. What is the Wigner-Seitz cell of diamond?

The Wigner-Seitz cell of diamond is a geometric shape that is used to represent the crystal lattice structure of a diamond. It is the smallest unit cell that can be repeated to form the entire crystal lattice.

2. How is the Wigner-Seitz cell of diamond constructed?

The Wigner-Seitz cell of diamond is constructed by drawing lines that connect each atom in the crystal lattice to its nearest neighbors. The resulting shape is a truncated octahedron, with each face representing a plane of atoms in the crystal lattice.

3. What is the significance of the Wigner-Seitz cell in diamond?

The Wigner-Seitz cell is significant because it helps to explain the unique properties of diamond, such as its hardness and optical properties. It also allows for a better understanding of the crystal structure of diamond and how it affects its physical and chemical properties.

4. How does the Wigner-Seitz cell of diamond differ from other crystal structures?

The Wigner-Seitz cell of diamond differs from other crystal structures in its shape and symmetry. While most crystals have a repeating unit cell that is cubic or hexagonal in shape, the Wigner-Seitz cell of diamond is a truncated octahedron, which is a more complex shape.

5. How is the Wigner-Seitz cell of diamond used in scientific research?

The Wigner-Seitz cell of diamond is used in scientific research to study the properties of diamond and to understand how its crystal structure affects its behavior. It is also used in materials science and engineering to design and create new materials with similar properties to diamond.

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