Teaching diffraction using computer simulations over the internet

Th Proffen, R. B. Neder, S. J.L. Billinge

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Computer simulations are a versatile tool to enhance the teaching of diffraction physics and related crystallographic topics to students of chemistry, materials science, physics and crystallography. Interactive computer simulations are presented, which have been added to a World Wide Web (WWW) based tutorial. A simple WWW interface is used to choose appropriate values for selected simulation parameters. The resulting structure and diffraction pattern are then plotted on the screen. Simulated structures range from a single atom to complex disordered or modulated structures. The simple interface requires no special computing knowledge and allows students to explore systematically the relationship between a real-space structure and the corresponding diffraction pattern. The large function set of the underlying simulation program (DISCUS) makes it easy to tailor the tutorial to a given syllabus by modifying or extending the current interactive examples.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)767-770
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography
Volume34
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2001
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Teaching diffraction using computer simulations over the internet'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this