Unit cell parameters

Unit cell parameters are the measurements that define the basic building block of a crystal's structure. They include the lengths of the edges of the unit cell (usually called a, b, and c) and the angles between them (alpha, beta, gamma). These parameters specify the size and shape of the smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice, which, when stacked in three dimensions, builds the entire crystal. Understanding unit cell parameters helps scientists determine the crystal's symmetry and structure, essential for tasks like identifying materials and understanding their properties.