Goniometry of Direct Lattice Vectors Supporting Students’ Comprehension of Crystallographic Core Concepts and Demonstrating Image-Based Nanocrystallography

We are of the opinion that students of an introductory materials science and engineering course should gain a thorough understanding of crystallographic core concepts by applying them quasi-experimentally in computer simulation sessions that run parallel to the lectures. Software simulations of goniometry of direct lattice vectors in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) will serve two purposes at once: to introduce students to practical aspects of electron microscopy and support their comprehension of crystallographic core concepts. We use the programming software Matlab and Java (Jmol applets) on a PC platform for the creation of software simulations that demonstrate this methodology and complement already existing software simulations. The newly created software is used in classroom demonstrations of an introductory materials science and engineering course at Portland State University and will become freely accessible over the internet. This software will also support and promote image-based nanocrystallography in TEM.