Electron Diffraction and Crystal Structure: Which Gives
Electron Diffraction and Crystal Structure: Which Gives
Electron Diffraction and Crystal Structure: Which Gives
1. Introduction
In classical mechanics we describe motion by assigning momenta to point particles. In quantum
mechanics, the motion of particles is also described by waves, with the crucial parameters of the
two viewpoints related through the de Broglie relation:
2. Basic Principles
a. The de Broglie Wavelength vs. Voltage
In the cathode ray tube the electron is accelerated through high voltage V. Its energy and
momentum are then given
Which gives:
The sum of the reflections from a large number of parallel mirrors all separated by the same
distance, d , will produce strong diffraction peaks when the angle between the beam and surface
satisfies the Bragg condition:
Heuristic Derivation
bulk sample will find many domains oriented at the correct Bragg angle for the beam energy.
The diffraction maximum traces a circle in the projection plane. The circle is the base of a cone
whose half-angle is given by
where R is the radius of the circle, and L is the distance from the target to the screen.
Combining this with the Bragg condition, and assuming R<<L gives
and thus, if L and λ are known, measurement of the radius yields d, the distance between Bragg
planes. Electron diffraction becomes a tool for measuring inter-atomic distances in crystals and
the rich detail of crystal structure.
Electron diffraction from poly-crystalline graphite was studied and inter-planar spacing was
calculated for the planes giving Bragg diffraction: (100) and (110).
EQUIPMENT USED
1. Electron Diffraction Tube
2. Tube Stand
3. Measuring Ruler
4. High Voltage Power Supply 10 Kv
SETUP
PROCEDURE
1. The electron diffraction tube was placed safely in the stand and connected to the high
voltage power supply.
2. Gratings which modulate the phase rather than the amplitude of the incident light are
also produced. Power was turned on and diffraction rings were observed at the end of
the tube.
3. The voltage was adjusted to 2.5 kV and the radii of the two concentric rings were
measured.
4. Knowing the distance L between the sample and the screen (135 mm), diffraction angle
2θ was calculated using
Calculations:
Average d (100)=2.19Å
Average d (110)= 1.21
RESULT
The wave nature of electrons was verified by the diffraction pattern. The average
interplanar spacing came out to be 2.19 A0 for d100 and 1.21 Ao for d110 families of planes in the
graphite crystals particularly high.
PART-II DIFFRACTION OF VISIBLE LIGHT FROM A
DIFFRACTION GRATING
OBJECTIVE
Diffraction of visible light from a diffraction grating was studied and the distance
between the slits was calculated.
EQUIPMENT USED
1. Translucent screen
2. Diffraction grating
3. Optical bench
4. Halogen lamp 12 V
5. Transformer 2-12 V
6. Picture slider
7. Red and green filters
8. Measuring ruler
SETUP
Transformer
PROCEDURE
1. The apparatus was set in the scheme shown.
2. The halogen lamp was turned on which gave white light.
3. The picture slider with a red filter was placed in front of the lamp.
4. A grid pattern was observed on the translucent screen. The grid could be transformed
into circles by rotating the grating.
5. The radius of first order diffraction ring was measured.
6. The same steps were performed with green filter.
7. Distance between the grating elements was found using the grating formula.
NUMERICAL OBSERVATIONS
L = 7.4cm
Wave length of green light: 𝜆𝐺 = 632nm ,
RG =1.6cm
Ѳ=12.2
d=2990.5nm
Wavelength of red light :𝜆𝑅 =531nm,
RR = 1.8cm,
Ѳ=13.67
d =2246.65nm
CALCULATIONS:
Average distance d =2.618um
RESULT
Diffraction of light from the diffraction grating was studied. Average separation
between the diffracting elements came out to be 2.618 µm.