A Non-Mathematical Introduction to X-ray Diffraction

Charles A. Taylor

University College, Cardiff, U. K.

Download in PDF format  

• 1. Introduction
• 2. The Problem of Focusing
• 3. The Essence of X-ray Diffraction
• 4. The Fundamental Problem of Reconstructing an X-ray Image
• 5. Some Practical Questions
  • (a) What happens in the general case if we ignore the phase and try to recombine with just the intensities?
  • (b) How can we by-pass or otherwise solve the problem of the phases that cannot be measured?
  • (c) How can the statements made in section 2 about focusing be reconciled with the solutions of the phase problem which we have just listed and described under (b)?
  • (d) What determines the accuracy of reproduction of the image?
  • (e) What complications are introduced by the fact that crystals are three dimensional?
• References

Teaching Aims

To help students, industrialists, etc., to understand what is the potential of X-ray crystallography with an outline indication of how the various techniques can be applied.

Level

It could be used as a background reader at school level, as an introductory text for metallurgists or materials scientists needing a short course, or as an introduction for non-specialists with some science background.

Background

A general interest in physical scence up to about University entrance standard is all that is required.

Practical Resources

A list of references for further reading is given at the end. Access to a standard X-ray laboratory with various types of cameras would be needed if used as a full course.

Time Required for Teaching

The material itself could be dealt with in an hour or two---but it could equally form the basis, with expansion by the teacher---of about a twenty hour course.

Copyright © 1980, 1997 International Union of Crystallography