Diffraction in metals and alloys: diffraction conditions

Much of the information about matter is obtained through particle-matter collisions. In the , we studied essential aspects of the interaction of electrons, neutrons and X-ray photons with atoms. We then gave a brief summary of atomic arrangements, most of which are crystallized. The definition of a crystal allowed us to count the different crystalline systems.

In this dossier, we'll be looking at the interactions between particles (and associated waves) and crystal lattices. We will outline a few brief approaches, without going into the details of models, particularly dynamic ones, which will be dealt with in another section. Interactions with periodic systems such as crystal lattices show, in particular, discrete Bragg and Laue reflection conditions, which depend on the crystals studied. The diffraction patterns that result from these conditions enable us to determine the location of atoms in particular. We conclude with an example of an aluminum-copper alloy.