Customer Reviews

X-Ray Diffraction (Dover Books on Physics)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As it may be clear from the one-line summary given above...it is quite difficult to evaluate this book. I personally like this book, however, I would not recommend anyone to try to learn x-ray diffraction by reading it. This book elegantly shows the theory behind a broad range of experimental observations one can accomplish using x-ray diffraction by going into the broader theory of scattering. Hence it is basically a book on scattering as applied to x-rays. The use of space group determination and Structure determination are given only a superficial attention, which I think must be discussed in detail in a book on x-ray diffraction. However, the chapter on x-ray studies on order-disorder is outstanding (it is Prof. Warren's personal area of interest). In other words, this is a rather advanced and quasi-theoretical treatment of a very applied method indeed. Therefore, in my opinion, it is of limited use to the solid state science community in general. However, it is a very nicely written book (though quite abstract) hence I'd rather give 4 stars instead of 3. Get this book if you really have a very specialized interest in x-ray diffraction...otherwise you can live without it.

This is the allround single best book for learning X-ray diffraction theory from the ground up. It is superbly written. The most lucid and precise explanations I have seen anywhere. The relevant fundementals of electromagnetic theory are reviewed, as are any needed quantum results, but the emphasis is on exact and elegant derivations of all the major results of practical X-ray diffraction. This book has been a great help in my research developing new X-ray quantitative methods for complex envirnmental materials.

This book is a valuable reference for its discussions of imperfect crystals, including peak broadening from nanocrystals; temperature vibration effects that might factor into in-situ XRD; and especially the discussion on order-disorder. Even its discussion of Fourier methods (pre-PC) and diffraction theory are useful. At less than $20, anyone routinely using XRD to analyze inorganic samples should buy this book. After losing my old copy, I felt compelled to immediately buy a new copy.

This book functions poorly as an introductory text to diffraction or crystallography and is out-dated with respect to discussing instrumentation. This book is of limited use regarding soft-matter samples.

Filled with value at a bargain price, Warren's fundamental work continues to impress for its elegance and the advances that it brought forth. Still not as used as it should be for nano-crystalline metals and ceramics for example.
For experienced and willing to understand advanced-diffractionists.

Even if a little old, covers all the basics in an excellent manner. The math, while sometimes involved is not that complex and is very educational. The plus side of it being several decades old is that everything is presented in a rather fundamental and easy to grasp way. One does need to spend a little time going through the equations, but it definitely makes understanding the matter easier.

I love math, and this book is full of math. Initially, Warren's book would have plenty of sex appeal for someone like me, slightly frustrated with the lack of mathematical rigour in Cullity's book.

Was I ever wrong.

In derivations, I feel there are many important small details missing. A variable is introduced without it ever appearing in a diagram, there are dubious reasons for various substitutions and cancellations, etc.

The breaking point was my stray into Warren's book at the beginning of Chapter 13. Hapless little ol' me wanted to see the Scherrer equation for particle size derived from first principles. On the second page of the derivation, a vector s[0]' is introduced...without it ever being (explicitly?) included in the diagram. Furious, I minimized my Word document, pounded Amazon's URL out on the keyboard....

...which brings me to now. If this book had mathematical soundness, I'd be the king of X-ray diffraction. I really, REALLY want to like this book. Either Warren had already visualized how it made sense in his mind and forgot to write it down, or didn't bother to make it more straightforward. Which means he's either a freaking genius or monstrously inconsiderate.

This is a mathematical approach to x-ray diffraction. If you want a more technical, less abstract book (with some history), order the Sir L. Bragg book. That one is much more comprehensible, actually enjoyable.

This book can probably be good for anybody looking for a specific information about X-ray diffraction. For this price really cool. But please, definitely not for anybody who has never heard about diffraction and really wants to understand this topic. Book has very little sample examples not completely solved and explained. On the other hand, it containes a number of really complex problems without any results! Take a look at another book instead.