BraggBeugungen

BraggBeugungen, also known as Bragg diffraction, is a phenomenon observed when waves, typically X-rays, neutrons, or electrons, are scattered by a crystal lattice. The scattering occurs at specific angles that depend on the spacing of the atomic planes within the crystal and the wavelength of the incident radiation. This effect was first described by William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg, leading to the formulation of Bragg's Law.

Bragg's Law mathematically relates the angle of diffraction to the interplanar spacing and wavelength. The law states that constructive interference, and thus a diffracted beam, occurs when the path difference between waves scattered from adjacent atomic planes is an integer multiple of the wavelength. The condition for constructive interference is given by the equation nλ = 2d sin(θ), where n is an integer representing the order of diffraction, λ is the wavelength of the incident radiation, d is the spacing between the atomic planes in the crystal, and θ is the angle of incidence (and diffraction).

The phenomenon of Bragg diffraction is fundamental to X-ray crystallography and other diffraction techniques. By analyzing the angles and intensities of the diffracted beams, scientists can determine the atomic structure of crystalline materials. This includes identifying the arrangement of atoms, bond lengths, and bond angles, providing crucial insights into the properties of solids, such as metals, minerals, and proteins. Applications range from materials science and pharmaceutical research to solid-state physics and chemistry.