Difference between Bragg and Laue Diffraction?

In summary, the Bragg and Laue conditions are both methods of describing elastic scattering off of a periodic lattice. However, the Bragg condition considers specific families of lattice planes and assumes specular reflection, while the Laue condition does not have these assumptions and is dependent upon the construction of a reciprocal lattice.
  • #1
etmsni
5
0
Hi! I am confused about the difference between the Bragg and Laue Diffraction. It seems that both arrive at the same result, but the assumptions for both are different?
 
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  • #2
What are the differences in assumptions? I can't think of any. They both deal with elastic scattering off a periodic lattice.
 
  • #3
The Bragg condition considers lattice objects that are grouped in families of planes, and the incident radiation is specularly reflected. The Laue condition doesn't require the assumption of particular planes and spacings, and doesn't require that reflection be specular.
 
  • #4
The Laue criterion is dependent upon the construction of a reciprocal lattice. That requires the existence of the direct lattice (consisting of families of planes defined by Miller Indices), upon which the Bragg condition is derived.

The apparent difference regarding specular reflection is an artifact of the way in which Bragg reflection is commonly depicted - by looking at only one family of planes. In reality, through every point in the real lattice, one can construct a virtually infinite number of lattice planes, each of which produces a specular reflection in a different direction.
 

Related to Difference between Bragg and Laue Diffraction?

What is the difference between Bragg and Laue Diffraction?

Bragg and Laue diffraction are two different types of diffraction techniques used to study the structure of crystals. The main difference between them lies in the way the diffraction pattern is produced.

How is the diffraction pattern produced in Bragg diffraction?

In Bragg diffraction, the crystal is placed in a monochromatic beam of X-rays and rotated until the angle of incidence satisfies the Bragg condition. This results in a series of discrete spots on the detector, which correspond to the spacing of the crystal lattice planes.

What is the method used in Laue diffraction to produce the diffraction pattern?

In Laue diffraction, a polychromatic beam of X-rays is used to pass through the crystal. The X-rays are then diffracted in all directions by the crystal, resulting in a continuous diffraction pattern on the detector.

Which diffraction technique is more suitable for studying single crystals?

Bragg diffraction is more suitable for studying single crystals because it produces a clear and distinct diffraction pattern, which can be used to determine the crystal structure. Laue diffraction, on the other hand, is more suitable for studying polycrystalline materials.

Can Bragg and Laue diffraction be used for different types of crystals?

Yes, both Bragg and Laue diffraction can be used for different types of crystals, including organic and inorganic crystals. However, the type of crystal and its properties may determine which diffraction technique is more suitable for studying its structure.

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