Summary

In this teaching and learning package we have considered how electron diffraction patterns are formed in the transmission electron microscope. The principles of how to index spot electron diffraction patterns have been discussed in some detail. Although we have considered how to index electron diffraction patterns from relatively simple crystal structures to illustrate the basic principles, these principles are generic and can therefore be applied to any crystal structure. We have also considered other features of electron diffraction patterns such as the formation of Kikuchi lines, the formation of convergent beam electron diffraction patterns and the formation of higher index Laue zones.