Crystallography is an important branch of science that focuses on the study of crystals and their atomic structure. It examines the geometric, physical, and chemical properties of crystals, which are solids characterized by an ordered and periodic organization at the atomic scale. Many scientific fields, such as materials science, structural biology, chemistry, geology, and physics, are based on this essential discipline. Crystallography is a powerful tool for understanding crystalline structures, their properties, and behaviors, and it is essential for the development of new technologies and materials.
The fundamental concept of crystalline structure is at the heart of crystallography. Crystals are solid materials composed of atoms, ions, or molecules arranged in a regular and repetitive manner. This periodic organization creates large-scale symmetry, giving crystals distinctive properties and characteristics. Crystallography aims to describe and understand this symmetry, as well as the relationships between atomic arrangements and the properties exhibited.
Bravais lattices are often used to describe crystalline structure. Each type of crystal is classified into a particular crystal system. The systems can be monoclinic, triclinic, orthorhombic, rhombohedral, cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, or orthorhombic. The characteristics of the lattice and the angles of each type of crystal are unique.
In materials science, crystallography is a crucial field. It studies how the physical, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of materials are related to atomic structure. The information obtained through crystallography is essential for the design and improvement of materials intended for specific applications, such as semiconductors for electronics, alloys for the aerospace industry, magnetic materials for storage devices, and much more.
In conclusion, crystallography is a versatile and powerful science that studies the structure of crystals and the relationships between their atomic arrangements and properties. It plays an important role in scientific research and the development of new technologies and materials, paving the way for significant advancements in various fields of science and industry
Dans ce cours, nous allons présenter des méthodes numériques nécessaires aux étudiants de deuxième année licence (LMD) physique pour résoudre pas mal de problèmes rencontrés au cours de leur formation.