Description
Book SynopsisThis book provides a clear and very broadly based introduction to crystallography, light, X-ray and electron diffraction - a knowledge which is essential to students in a wide range of scientific disciplines but which is otherwise generally covered in subject-specific and more mathematically detailed texts. The text is also designed to appeal to the more general reader since it shows, by historical and biographical references, how the subject has developed from the work and insights of successive generations of crystallographers and scientists.The book shows how an understanding of crystal structures, both inorganic and organic may be built up from simple ideas of atomic and molecular packing. Beginning with (two dimensional) examples of patterns and tilings, the concepts of lattices, symmetry point and space groups are developed. ''Penrose'' tilings and quasiperiodic structures are also included. The reciprocal lattice and its importance in understanding the geometry of light, X-ray a
Trade ReviewChris Hammond's book on crystallography, now in its 4th edition, is in my view one of the best available. ... [T]his is a fine book for anyone wanting to learn about crystallography. It is an enjoyable and informative read, and is one of my favourite books to recommend to students and colleagues alike. It should be on the shelf of any physicist, chemist, materials scientist or biologist, who has to navigate the subject. * Mike Glazer, In Focus *
This makes it a very good introduction to crystallography. * Paul F. Fewster, Crystallography Reviews *
a complete and valuable resource for any practicing crystallographer or upper-level student in crystallography. Highly recommended. * M. Rossi, CHOICE *
Review from previous edition This is a timely, well-constructed book which should be seriously considered by every teacher of crystallography and can be recommended to anyone who wants to get to grips with crystallography and diffraction. * Journal of Microscopy *
The Basics of Crystallography and Diffraction brings a lot of classical information together into one place, and presents it in a way acceptable to a modern audience. It is well-structured, carefully written and a pleasure to read. There should be a copy on the shelves of every crystallography laboratory. * ACA RefleXions *
This handsome book is ideal for any student or researcher who needs a basic understanding of crystallography and diffraction. The consistently high standard of presentation and explanation, the relatively low price (£30 for the paperback edition), and the fact that the book is now in its third edition tells you everything you need to know. This book is recommended for students and researchers who need an introduction to crystallography that is clear, informative, easy to follow and an excellent read. * Microscopy and Analysis *
I find it very easy to recommend this text, without hesitation. The author's style of presentation is lucid and the book contains some excellent exercises to "stretch" the minds of students needing to acquire a facility with crystallography and diffraction. [...] This is a very well-established student text. * Materials Characterization *
The book is nicely illustrated and attractively produced. It is warmly recommended to all students and researchers in crystallography, including chemists, condensed-matter physicists, material scientists, and others who are interested in the structures of crystals and in how they are determined. * Structural Chemistry *
The book is aimed at students in all the disciplines which use crystallographic methods. If they are seriously interested in crystallography, this book is as close to ideal as they are likely to get, and very good value too. I thoroughly recommend Hammond's book as an enjoyable way of re-visiting old haunts. * Mineralogical Magazine *
The fundamentals of crystallography and diffraction are set out in a convincing way in this book. The author has succeeded in explaining the two fields in a very communicative and relatively condensed way. * Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry *
Throughout, this book is well written and thoughtfully illustrated. It provides an excellent grounding in crystallography. It may be the only book that bewildered non-crystallographers need. * Microscopy and Imaging News *
Table of Contents1. Crystals and crystal structures ; 2. Two-dimensional patterns, lattices and symmetry ; 3. Bravais lattices and crystal systems ; 4. Crystal symmetry: point groups, space groups, symmetry-related properties and quasiperiodic crystals ; 5. Describing lattice planes and directions in crystals: Miller indices and zone axis symbols ; 6. The recirocal lattice ; 7. The diffraction of light ; 8. X-ray diffraction: the contribution of Max von Laue, W.H. and W.L. Bragg and P.P Ewald ; 9. The diffraction of X-rays ; 10. X-ray diffraction of polycrystalline materials ; 11. Electron diffraction and its applications ; 12. The stereographic projection and its uses ; 13. Fourier analysis in diffraction and image formation ; 14. The physical properties of crystals and their description by tensors
