reciprocal vector

A reciprocal vector is a mathematical tool used in crystallography and physics to analyze patterns in periodic structures, like crystals. Imagine a crystal as a repeating pattern in space; the reciprocal vectors are derived from the original (real) lattice but exist in a space where complex wave interactions—such as those in X-ray diffraction—are easier to understand. They essentially serve as a coordinate system that simplifies how waves scatter off the crystal, helping scientists determine the crystal’s structure. Reciprocal vectors are fundamental in translating geometric information into a form that makes analyzing periodic patterns more manageable.