kristalografi

Kristalografi, or crystallography, is the scientific study of the arrangement of atoms in crystalline solids and the properties that arise from this order. Crystals have a repeating three‑dimensional lattice, which allows researchers to determine atomic positions and the symmetry of materials. The field covers methods for solving crystal structures and interpreting how structure influences physical, chemical, and biological properties.

The primary method is X‑ray crystallography, which analyzes diffraction patterns produced when X‑rays interact with a crystal. By measuring intensities and angles, scientists reconstruct electron density and derive atomic coordinates. Other diffraction techniques—neutron diffraction and electron diffraction—provide complementary information, especially for light elements or magnetic order. Advances such as microcrystal methods and cryo‑electron microscopy have broadened the range of samples that can be studied. A central challenge is the phase problem, addressed by methods including direct phase determination, anomalous dispersion, and molecular replacement.

Historically, crystallography began with the discovery of X‑ray diffraction by crystals in 1912 (Max von Laue) and Bragg’s law formulation in 1913 (William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg). It advanced from mineral structure determinations to the elucidation of many biological macromolecules and complex materials in the late 20th century. In contemporary practice, crystal structures are deposited in public databases and used to understand chemical reactivity, design drugs, and engineer advanced materials.

The term kristalografi is used in several languages to denote this discipline. The field remains foundational to chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science, linking atomic structure to function and properties.