Why is the wavelength in a crystal assumed to be the same as outside?

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    Crystals Diffraction
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the assumption that the wavelength of X-rays in a crystal is equivalent to that outside the crystal. This assumption is based on the approximation that the index of refraction for most materials at X-ray wavelengths is close to 1. The participants agree that while the speed of electromagnetic waves can vary with different materials, for X-ray diffraction, this approximation holds true, allowing for consistent wavelength calculations.

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Lojzek
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I read an introductory text about diffraction of X-rays in crystals and I am not sure why the wavelength in the crystal is assumed to be identical to the wavelength outside the crystal. I think that the speed of electromagnetic waves can depend on the type of matter, so wavelenghts can be different.
Can someone explain this?
 
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I guess they approximate the index of refraction to be 1. I think for most materials at x-ray wavelengths it is a good approximation.
 

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