Discover
/
Article

X‐ray crystallography: An account of early studies at Schenectady; the genesis and beginnings of x‐ray crystallography at Caltech

OCT 01, 1958
Drs. Hull and Burdick, both intimately connected with the first attempts in the United States to carry out crystal structure analysis by the use of x rays, recall their experiences of four decades ago in the two pages that follow. The introductory note appearing below was written by Edward W. Hughes, research associate in chemistry at the California Institute of Technology.
Edward W. Hughes
Albert W. Hull
C. L. Burdick

The electromagnetic wave nature of x rays was first firmly established in 1912 by the observation of diffraction of x rays by crystals in the famous investigations of Friedrich, Knipping, and von Laue. The application of x‐ray diffraction methods to the determination of the detailed structure of crystals was demonstrated within less than a year by W. L. Bragg and since that time literally thousands of papers have appeared describing either improvements in these methods or giving the results of their application to crystals, the natures of which have become increasingly complex as newer methods of increased power have been developed.

This article is only available in PDF format

References

  1. 1. Friedrich, W., Knipping, P., and Laue, M. von, Ber. bayer. Akad. Wiss. (Math.‐phys. Kl.) 303 (1912).

  2. 2. Bragg, W. L., Proc. Roy. Soc. (London) A89, 248 (1913).https://doi.org/PRLAAZ

  3. 3. Hull, A. W., Phys. Rev. 9, 84 and (1917).https://doi.org/PHRVAO

  4. 4. Hull, A. W., Phys. Rev. 10, 661 (1917).https://doi.org/PHRVAO

  5. 5. Burdick, C. L., and Ellis, J. H., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 3, 644 (1917); https://doi.org/PNASA6
    Burdick, C. L., and Ellis, J. H., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 39, 2518 (1917).https://doi.org/JACSAT

More about the Authors

Edward W. Hughes. California Institute of Technology.

Albert W. Hull. General Electric Research Laboratory, Schenectady, New York.

C. L. Burdick. California Institute of Technology.

Related content
/
Article
Figuring out how to communicate with the public can be overwhelming. Here’s some advice for getting started.
/
Article
Amid growing investment in planetary-scale climate intervention strategies that alter sunlight reflection, global communities deserve inclusive and accountable oversight of research.
/
Article
Although motivated by the fundamental exploration of the weirdness of the quantum world, the prizewinning experiments have led to a promising branch of quantum computing technology.
/
Article
As conventional lithium-ion battery technology approaches its theoretical limits, researchers are studying alternative architectures with solid electrolytes.
This Content Appeared In
pt-cover_1958_10.jpeg

Volume 11, Number 10

Get PT in your inbox

pt_newsletter_card_blue.png
PT The Week in Physics

A collection of PT's content from the previous week delivered every Monday.

pt_newsletter_card_darkblue.png
PT New Issue Alert

Be notified about the new issue with links to highlights and the full TOC.

pt_newsletter_card_pink.png
PT Webinars & White Papers

The latest webinars, white papers and other informational resources.

By signing up you agree to allow AIP to send you email newsletters. You further agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.