Ewald sphere

The Ewald sphere is a geometric concept used in crystallography to visualize the relationship between real space (where atoms are arranged in a crystal) and reciprocal space (which describes how X-ray or electron waves scatter off the crystal). Imagine a sphere that represents all possible scattering directions and wavelengths for a given crystal. When the sphere intersects with a set of lattice points representing atomic arrangements, it helps researchers understand how X-rays interact with the crystal, allowing them to determine its structure. This technique is crucial for studying materials and their properties at the atomic level.