How Many Bravais Lattices Exist?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter MagnusBL
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

There are exactly 14 Bravais lattices, a fact supported by various academic references. Notable works include Nussbaum's "The Mystery of the Fifteenth Bravais Lattice" published in the American Journal of Physics and Azaroff's rebuttal in the same journal. Solid state physics textbooks such as Tinkham's and Kittel's provide foundational knowledge, although specific proofs may not be included. The discussion emphasizes the mathematical origins of crystallography, suggesting that further exploration may benefit from a mathematical perspective.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of crystallography principles
  • Familiarity with solid state physics concepts
  • Knowledge of mathematical proofs in physics
  • Access to academic journals like the American Journal of Physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Read Nussbaum's "The Mystery of the Fifteenth Bravais Lattice" for insights on the topic
  • Examine Azaroff's rebuttal "No! to a Fifteenth Bravais Lattice" for counterarguments
  • Study Tinkham's solid state physics textbook for foundational concepts
  • Explore Kittel's "Quantum Theory of Solids" for advanced discussions on lattice structures
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in crystallography, solid state physicists, and mathematicians interested in the theoretical underpinnings of lattice structures.

MagnusBL
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi

Anyone who can tell me how to proove that there consists exactly 14 Bravais lattices or can point me to a reference where this is prooven?



Magnus
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Not a proof, but you may enjoy Nussbaum's "The mystery of the fifteenth Bravais lattice," Am J Phys 68(10) (2000) and Azaroff's rebuttal "No! to a fifteenth Bravais lattice," Am J Phys 70(2) (2002).
 
Any solid state textbook, Tinkham comes to mind as well as Kittel.
 
I haven't seen this proof in any solid state text, including Kittel (unless you mean his more advanced 'Quantum Theory of Solids' - haven't had to pleasure to read this yet). I would think this question is better suited for the mathematicians. Crystallography, although definitely an applied subject today, began as a pure mathematical subject.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
10K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K