thermal displacement parameters

Thermal displacement parameters, often referred to as Debye-Waller factors in crystallography, describe how much atoms in a material vibrate or move around due to temperature. In simpler terms, as temperature increases, atoms don’t stay perfectly still; they wiggle and shift a bit. This movement can affect how X-rays or neutrons scatter when used to study the material's structure. By quantifying this displacement, scientists can better understand the stability and properties of the material at different temperatures, aiding in advancements in materials science and chemistry.