PattersonMethoden

Pattersonmethoden is a term used in German-language sources to refer to several methods named after individuals with the surname Patterson. It does not denote a single unified technique, but rather a collection of procedures whose exact meaning varies with context and field.

The most widely cited Patterson method arises in X-ray crystallography. Based on the Patterson function introduced by Arthur Lindo Patterson in 1944, Patterson methods use Patterson maps to identify interatomic vectors from diffraction data and to aid phase determination and structure solution. This approach is especially valuable when dealing with heavy atoms or when the available data are partial, helping to locate plausible atom positions by analyzing the peaks representing pairwise interatomic vectors.

In other fields, the phrase "Patterson methods" may refer to different procedures named after Patterson individuals, depending on the discipline and author. Because the term is not standardized, the exact technique referenced can vary. When encountering the term in literature, it is important to consult the surrounding text to determine the specific Patterson method and its application.

Summary notes: Pattersonmethoden highlights the multiplicity of methods linked by the name Patterson. The crystallography context is the most established use, but the term may appear in other domains with distinct methods. For precise understanding, identifying the field and the credited Patterson is essential.