763628SCONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS Problem Set 3 Spring 2012

1. Hcp extinctions
a) Prove that the reciprocal lattice of a hexagonal lattice
 √ 
a1 = (a, 0, 0) , a2 = a2 , a 2 3 , 0 , a3 = (0, 0, c)

is another hexagonal lattice rotated at 30 degrees with respect

to the original one, and find the primitive vectors for the recip-
rocal lattice.
b) The hcp lattice is built upon the hexagonal, with the basis
 
v1 = (0, 0, 0) , v2 = a2 , 2√
a
,
3 2
c
.

Show that the modulation factor induced by the basis is

 2
i π3 [2(n1 +n2 )+3n3 ] 
 
Fq~ = 1 + e

 .

c) Describe all cases in which the scattering from the hcp lattice
vanishes because of an extinction.

2. Bragg peaks revisited

Bragg’s model for reflection of X–rays from a solid was based on the
view that the solid was constructed out of a series of parallel planes.
The rays bounce off the planes so that angle of incidence θ equals the
angle of reflection, and diffraction peaks occur when radiation from
successive planes add constructively.
a) Show that in general the condition for a scattering peak can
be written as
2d sin θ = lλ
where d is the distance between lattice planes, θ is the Bragg
scattering angle, λ is the wavelength, and l is an integer.
b) Show that the condition follows from the conditions derived
for a Bragg peak, ~q ≡ ~k0 − ~k = K.
~

3. Superlattice
Show that when two crystal surfaces meet in a commensurate fashion,
meaning that there is a superlattice along the interface, the areas
of the primitive cells for the two surface lattices must be rational
multiples of one another.
4. Bond breaking
a) Consider an fcc lattice in which the energy of a surface is given
by the number of nearest–neighbor bonds. With reference to
the figure, find the energy needed per area to cut along the
(001) plane.

b) Consider the diamond structure. How many bonds per

area need to be cut to expose the (001) plane?

c) Consider again the diamond structure. How many bonds

per area need to be cut to expose a (111) plane? Which of
(001) and (111) should be expected to cleave most easily?