The Basics of Crystallography and Diffraction

Abstract This book provides an introduction to crystallography, light, X-ray, and electron diffraction. The book also shows, by historical and biographical references, how the subject has developed from the work and insights of successive generations of crystallographers and scientists. The book shows how an understanding of crystal structures, both inorganic and organic may be built up from simple ideas of atomic and molecular packing. Beginning with (two-dimensional) examples of patterns and tilings, the concepts of lattices, symmetry point, and space groups are developed. ‘Penrose’ tilings and quasiperiodic structures are also included. The reciprocal lattice and its importance in understanding the geometry of light, X-ray, and electron diffraction patterns is explained in simple terms, leading to Fourier analysis in diffraction, crystal structure determination, image formation, and the diffraction-limited resolution in these techniques. Practical X-ray and electron diffraction techniques and their applications are described. A recurring theme is the common principles: the techniques are not treated in isolation.