The Bragg Reflection

Bragg reflection is a phenomenon that occurs when X-rays or similar waves interact with the regularly arranged atoms in a crystal. When these waves hit the crystal at specific angles, they are reflected in such a way that they can constructively interfere, amplifying the signal. This process helps scientists determine the crystal's structure by allowing them to map the arrangement of atoms within it. The concept is named after William Lawrence Bragg, who, along with his father, developed important methods for investigating crystal structures using this principle in the early 20th century.