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Advanced Physics Laboratories

        
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Electron Diffraction
ABOUT THE EXPERIMENT
This experiment demonstrates the wave nature of electrons as well as the existence of periodic lattice structure in crystals. Using a self-contained cathode ray tube apparatus, you will study the dependence of the electron wavelength on accelerating voltage and the diffraction of electrons from a thin sample of graphite. The crystal lattice arrangement and spacing are deduced from the diffraction patterns.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
  • Matter waves: verification of the DeBroglie hypothesis
  • Bragg diffraction of electron waves by crystals
  • Crystallography: the crystal lattice, classification schemes,  study of crystal structure by electron or x-ray diffraction
PREPARATION
  • Required reading:
    • H. P. Meyers, Introductory Solid State Physics, Chap. 2,3.
    • R. Eisberg and R. Resnick, Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles, Chap. 3.1, Appendix Q..
    • "Electron Diffraction", 441-442 Write-up
    • Graphite Lattice Drawing
  • Recommended reading: 
    • C. Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics, Chap 1, 2.
    • Serway, Moses, Moyer, Modern Physics, Sec 4.2
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