Diffraction Geometry

Abstract

The geometric aspects of X-ray diffraction from crystals can be depicted in real space and reciprocal space. However, the representation of reciprocal lattice, as stated in Chap. 2, facilitates the description of the three-dimensional geometry involved in X-ray diffraction, especially for multiple-wave diffraction. Therefore, in this chapter, the diffraction conditions for the conventional Bragg reflection — the so-called two-wave case — and the cases involving multiple waves for wide-angle and grazing incidence are described in terms of the reciprocal lattice. In addition, the related geometric factors like Lorentz-polarization factors for multiple-wave diffraction are also described.