We want reciprocal lattice vectors such that the reciprocal vector is the inverse in magnitude of the real vector and is normal to the planes separating the original vector.
So,
and ![]()
Therefore,
and similarly:
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Fourier Analysis of Periodic Potential
The periodic potential of a lattice is given by:
, where Uk is the coefficient of the potential, and r is a real position vector
However only values of K are allowed which are reciprocal lattice vectors (S).
Proof:
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since U(r) = U(r + R), where R is a lattice vector,
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λ = exp( i 2 π S R )
S R = n, where n is an integer.
Only possible values are of the form:
G = ha* + kb* + lc* as GR = h + k + l and h, k, l are integers.
Note: This is strictly the crystallographer’s definition of reciprocal lattice vectors. In solid-state physics, the 2π factor is included as a scalar within S. The 2π factor may be omitted depending on the application.

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