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A lattice plane is a plane containing a two-dimensional periodic array of lattice points. Parallel lattice planes form equally spaced geometrical sheets; an atomic basis can place chemical atoms between them.

With primitive lattice translation vectors $a_i$, write $r=x{a}_1+y{a}_2+z{a}_3$. For integers $h,k,l$ with greatest common divisor one, the plane equationsgive a complete family labeled by Miller indices $(hkl)$. In a primitive cubic lattice, $(110)$ means $x+y=m$, parallel to $a_3$.^[ref]

Three Miller indices $(hkl)$ specify a lattice plane orientation in chosen unit cell axes. Choose a parallel plane away from the origin, express its intercepts in axis units, take reciprocals, and clear fractions. An infinite intercept gives index zero; a negative intercept gives a negative index, written with an overbar.^[ref]

For example, intercepts $(2a,3b,\infty )$ have reciprocal ratios $(1/2,1/3,0)$, so the orientation is $(320)$ after multiplying by six. Relative to the same axes, intercepts $(a,-b,\infty )$ give $(1\bar{1}0)$. Choosing a different parallel member changes the common intercept scale, not the orientation.

Primitive axes require relatively prime Miller indices for complete families. Centered conventional unit cells need not, as the FCC lattice $(200)$ example shows. Reflection labels can also retain higher diffraction orders. Use the reciprocal lattice for the normal vector with oblique axes; the direct vector $h{a}_1+k{a}_2+l{a}_3$ need not be perpendicular.