Something called wavevector, k

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Wavevector, denoted as k, represents the direction and magnitude of wave propagation in a medium. It is a fundamental concept in physics, particularly in the context of wave mechanics and crystallography. In K-space, which is derived from Fourier transformation, wavevectors are used to describe the momentum of waves. When analyzing crystals, diffraction methods yield data in K-space, illustrating the relationship between real space and momentum space. Understanding wavevectors is essential for exploring wave behavior in various physical systems.
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something called "wavevector, k"

Dear,

I have a question about something called "wavevector, k".
What is it? Is that the direction of propagation of light? or something else?
Please explain easily. Thank you in advance.
 
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Alice Jin said:
Dear,

I have a question about something called "wavevector, k".
What is it? Is that the direction of propagation of light? or something else?
Please explain easily. Thank you in advance.

You have some coordinate space. The Fourier transformation space of this coordinate space is K-space which elements are wave vectors. Exaple for this you have in crystalography. Crystal which you can put in you're hand is in real space. When you use some difraction method you will get some film. That film is K-space.
 


And K-space is momentum space.
 
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