For every real lattice there is an equivalent
reciprocal lattice. A two dimension (2-D) real lattice is defined by two
unit
cell vectors,
a and b
inclined at an angle g as shown below. The equivalent
reciprocal lattice in reciprocal space is defined by two reciprocal vectors, a*
and b*.
Click on
the animation here to show the relationship between a real lattice and its reciprocal
lattice.
The reciprocal vectors are defined as follows:
• a* is of magnitude 1/d10 where d10
is the spacing of the (10) planes, and is perpendicular to b,
• b* is of magnitude 1/d01 where d01
is the spacing of the (01) planes, and is perpendicular to a.
A reciprocal lattice can be built using reciprocal vectors. Both the real and reciprocal constructions
show the same lattice, using different but equivalent descriptions.
Note:each point in the
reciprocal lattice represents a set of planes.
Click on
the animation here to show the relationship between a real lattice and its reciprocal
lattice.
