 Laue equations

For incident and outgoing unit propagation vectors ${\mathbf{s}}_{\mathrm{in}}$ and ${\mathbf{s}}_{\mathrm{out}}$, wavelength $\lambda >0$, and primitive lattice translation vectors $a_1,a_2,a_3$, the Laue equations areAll three must hold for the same wavelength and outgoing direction. The integers label a reciprocal lattice vector; they need not be coprime. For wavevectors ${\mathbf{k}}_{\mathrm{in},\mathrm{out}}=(2\pi /\lambda ){\mathbf{s}}_{\mathrm{in},\mathrm{out}}$, equivalentlyThis uses angular wavenumbers; the crystallographic convention without $2\pi$ instead uses $\mathbf{s}/\lambda$.^[ref]

For a short proof, translate a scatterer through $a_i$. Its incident wave phase changes by ${\mathbf{k}}_{\mathrm{in}}\cdot a_i$ and propagation to the same distant observation direction contributes $-{\mathbf{k}}_{\mathrm{out}}\cdot a_i$. The relative wave phase factor is therefore $\exp (-i\mathbf{G}\cdot a_i)$. It equals one for all lattice translations exactly when $\mathbf{G}$ belongs to the reciprocal lattice. A finite crystal lattice structure factor broadens the ideal maxima; the crystal basis structure factor can cancel them. Geometric phase matching is necessary for a sharp reflection, but does not guarantee a visible spot.

For elastic scattering, the additional constraint isIt is an Ewald sphere centered at $-{\mathbf{k}}_{\mathrm{in}}$ in the space of transfer vectors $\mathbf{G}$. The parent elastic Bragg scattering condition uses $q={\mathbf{k}}_{\mathrm{in}}-{\mathbf{k}}_{\mathrm{out}}=-\mathbf{G}$, so its displayed condition has the opposite sign. Both give Bragg's law for the same lattice planes.

The Laue equations describe the relationship between the wave vectors of incident and scattered waves in the context of X-ray diffraction, particularly in crystallography. They are crucial for understanding how X-rays interact with crystal lattices and help in determining the structure of crystalline materials. When X-rays are directed at a crystal, they can be diffracted by the periodic lattice of atoms within the crystal. The Laue equations apply to the diffraction of X-rays when they enter a crystal at specific angles.