Fundamentals of Crystallography

Crystallography is an interdisciplinary science covering a wide area, from biology to earth sciences, mathematics and materials science. Its role is growing, owing to the contribution crystallography can offer to the understanding of such diverse fields as biological structures, high-temperature superconductors, mineral properties, and phase transitions. The book describes both the theoretical bases and applications of different areas interacting with crystallography. As with the first and second editions, it is organized as a collection of chapters written by recognized specialists, with all contributions being harmonized into a unified whole. The main text is devoted to the presentation of basics; the appendices deal with specialist aspects. In this third edition topics have been updated so as to document the present state of the art: emphasis is placed upon areas of current research. To facilitate learning and make teaching more effective, new illustrations have been introduced. As with the second edition, a software package is included via the book's OUP web site: modern graphics will help users to better understand the basics of this science via three-dimensional images, simulation of experiments, and exercises. This book is comprehensive, modern, interdisciplinary and well designed for graduate students and researchers who are familiar with intermediate linear algebra, group theory and Fourier transforms. [...] The book elucidates the theoretical and mathematical aspects of crystallography and defines and compares the practical aspects of crystal preparation, X-ray sources and detectors, data acquisition and analysis. Its scope includes both X-ray and neutron crystallography, with detailed applications to inorganic and mineral crystals and protein crystallography. It includes excellent discussions of intermolecular forces, stereochemistry and the fundamentals of various types of chemical bonds. It is well illustrated; the references are up to date; and a useful index is provided. Barry R. Masters, Optics & Photonics News1. SYMMETRY IN CRYSTALS ; 2. CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC COMPUTING ; 3. THE DIFFRACTION OF X-RAYS BY CRYSTALS ; 4. BEYOND IDEAL CRYSTALS ; 5. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS IN X-RAY AND NEUTRON CRYSTALLOGRAPHY ; 6. SOLUTION AND REFINEMENT OF CRYSTAL STRUCTURES ; 7. INORGANIC AND MINERAL CRYSTALS ; 8. MOLECULES AND MOLECULAR CRYSTALS ; 9. PROTEIN CRYSTALLOGRAPHY ; 10. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CRYSTALS