Abstract
A COMMONLY used test for the correctness of a crystal structure deduced from X-ray diffraction data is to perform a Fourier synthesis using the observed structure amplitudes (|F o|) and the calculated phases (αc) in the Fourier coefficients (namely |F o|exp iα c) and to verify that this diagram gives peaks of the right magnitudes at the assumed positions of atoms and none elsewhere. It was thought worth while examining what would happen if the amplitudes and the phases that are fed in belong to different structures. The tests that were carried out are briefly described here, together with an explanation of the results observed and their relation to the methods of structure analysis.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Srinivasan, R., Proc. Ind. Acad. Sci., 50, A, 19 (1959).
Lonsdale, K., Crystals and X-rays, 112 (G. Bell and Sons, London, 1948) (Fig. 85).
Ramachandran, G. N., and Raman, S., Acta Cryst., 12, 957 (1959).
Raman, S., Acta Cryst., 12, 964 (1959).
Donohue, J., and Trueblood, K. N., Acta Cryst., 9, 615 (1956).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
RAMACHANDRAN, G., SRINIVASAN, R. An Apparent Paradox in Crystal Structure Analysis. Nature 190, 159–161 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1038/190159a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/190159a0
This article is cited by
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.