Laue groups

Laue groups describe the symmetrical properties of crystals when they are viewed through X-ray diffraction, specifically focusing on how their internal structure looks the same when rotated or mirrored. They classify crystals based on their symmetry elements—such as mirror planes, rotation axes, and inversion centers—without considering translations. Laue groups help scientists understand how a crystal's atoms are arranged and predict how they will interact with X-rays, aiding in the determination of the crystal's structure. Essentially, they provide a way to categorize crystals based on their symmetry features visible in diffraction patterns.