Laue Group

A Laue group is a classification system in crystallography that describes the symmetry of a crystal's interior structure as observed through X-ray diffraction patterns. It groups together all the symmetry operations—like reflections, rotations, and inversions—that leave the diffraction pattern unchanged. This helps scientists understand the internal symmetry of a crystal without specifying exact shapes or external features. Laue groups are fundamental for identifying and analyzing crystals, indicating how their atoms are arranged in three-dimensional space, which influences their physical properties and how they interact with light and other energies.