How is Bragg's Law Derived Using the Diffraction Condition?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of Bragg's Law, expressed as \(2d\sin{\theta}=n\lambda\), using the diffraction condition and the equation for spacing between parallel lattice planes. The key equations involved are the diffraction condition \(2\textbf{k}\bullet\textbf{G}=G^2\) and the spacing formula \(d=\frac{2\pi}{G}\). The user struggles to connect these equations to arrive at Bragg's Law, particularly in understanding how the reciprocal lattice vectors are defined. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of recognizing that \(G\) represents the reciprocal lattice vectors, which are derived from the primitive cell of the reciprocal lattice.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bragg's Law in crystallography
  • Familiarity with diffraction conditions in solid-state physics
  • Knowledge of reciprocal lattice vectors and their significance
  • Basic grasp of wave vectors and their mathematical representations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Bragg's Law in "Introduction to Solid State Physics" by Kittel
  • Learn about reciprocal lattice vectors and their calculation methods
  • Explore the concept of diffraction conditions in solid-state physics
  • Investigate the relationship between wave vectors and lattice planes
USEFUL FOR

Students of solid-state physics, physicists studying crystallography, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of diffraction and lattice structures.

James Marquez
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Hello. I am reading "Introduction to Solid State Physics" by Kittel and there is a derivation in the textbook that I am understanding. This should be a fairly simple question but I am unable to see it.

1. Homework Statement

In Chapter 2, it derives the Bragg law using the diffraction condition and equation for spacing between parallel lattice planes. The Bragg law is given by:
$$2d\sin{\theta}=n\lambda$$

Homework Equations


The Diffraction Condition:
$$2\textbf{k}\bullet\textbf{G}=G^2$$

Spacing Between Parallel Lattice Planes:
$$d=\frac{2\pi}{G}$$

Wave Vector:
$$\textbf{k}=\frac{2\pi}{\lambda}\hat{\textbf{k}}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I just don't see how we get the Bragg law using these two equations? I rearranged it so that
$$G=\frac{2\pi}{d}$$
But given by the diffraction condition, I see that:
$$G=2\frac{2\pi}{\lambda}\cos{\theta}$$
$$\frac{1}{d}=\frac{2\cos{\theta}}{\lambda}$$

I don't understand how the textbook arrives at that conclusion. Thank you.
 
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I think the answer is that ## G=(\frac{2 \pi}{d}) m ##, where ## m ## is an integer, defines the reciprocal lattice vectors for a cubic lattice. ## \\ ## Editing... That will not give them all because the reciprocal lattice vectors are found from the lattice vectors for the primitive cell of the reciprocal lattice by having integer numbers of primitive basis vectors in each direction... If you look at the previous page or two in Kittel, he defines a reciprocal lattice vector ## G=h \vec{A}+k\vec{B}+l \vec{C} ## , ## (h,k,l= ## integers## ) ##.
 
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