X-Ray Crystallography

Return to Diffraction and Interference

Description:

Look at a diffraction pattern through a lens to reveal a new pattern!

Location:

• X-Ray Crystallography Kit (L-3)
• Lens Holder (found in wooden Laser Optics Kit box; M3)
• Lens Holder Stand (Dr. 104)
• Green laser
• 2 lab jacks

Setup: Use the lens holder from the Laser Optics Kit to hold one of the x-ray crystallography slides. There are a lot of different patterns available – L is for Escher Lizard, H for horse, and a few others. Shining the laser through the pattern uninterrupted creates an indiscernible dot pattern like this:

But, when you shine the laser through the lens included in the x-ray crystallography kit first, the pattern is revealed:

Try it with different patterns and different spacing to improve the focus.