Ab initio structure solution

This chapter describes general approaches to the ab initio solution of crystal structures from X-ray or neutron powder diffraction data. The steps in the process, unit cell determination and indexing, intensity extraction, space group determination, structure solution, and structure refinement are described. Indexing methods such as zone indexing, exhaustive methods or recently developed whole pattern methods, and the use of a figure of merit (M₂₀) are presented. Intensity extraction is shown to be reasonably straightforward but for the problem of peak overlap that occurs in powder patterns....

This chapter describes general approaches to the ab initio solution of crystal structures from X-ray or neutron powder diffraction data. The steps in the process, unit cell determination and indexing, intensity extraction, space group determination, structure solution, and structure refinement are described. Indexing methods such as zone indexing, exhaustive methods or recently developed whole pattern methods, and the use of a figure of merit (M₂₀) are presented. Intensity extraction is shown to be reasonably straightforward but for the problem of peak overlap that occurs in powder patterns. The phase problem makes structure solution more difficult: Fourier and Patterson methods, direct methods, or global optimization methods (simulated annealing, genetic algorithms) are brought to bear. The chapter concludes with a section on advanced refinement techniques, including the interpretation of displacement and site occupancy parameters, and the use of constraints. The discussion is illustrated by frequent reference to structure solution for the Ruddlesden-Popper compound Ca₃Ti₂O₇.